The US Consulate General Kolkata and CUTS International, in collaboration with MSME-Development Institute (MSME-DI), Ranchi, and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) organised a day-long workshop in Ranchi, for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to equip them with knowledge and hands-on training on how to identify and combat cybersecurity threats, and, become more cyber-resilient. Representatives from various MSME units in Ranchi, participated in the workshop.
With growing digitalisation globally, more and more businesses are gradually shifting to digital platform for doing business. There has been a concomitant rise in cybercrimes. Cyber attacks through Malware, Phishing, Ransomware, etc have become commonplace. According to a survey by Kaspersky, about 48 per cent of MSMEs have had data breaches owing to lack of understanding of threats and the importance of cyber security in the MSMEs.
Adrian Pratt, the new Director of the American Centre Kolkata said, “The US Consulate Kolkata is happy to partner with CUTS international think tank on this key project titled “Cyber Safe East India” to organise a series of workshops on cyber safety for e-businesses. This project will help the region to cope with the growing threat of cyber-crimes for e-businesses since many companies have moved online during the pandemic.”
Arnab Ganguly, Policy Analyst, CUTS International, mentioned at the workshop that the adoption of digital technologies have accelerated due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and many MSMEs went online without the required understanding and safeguards to combat cyber-attacks, rendering them vulnerable. Given that MSMEs contribute roughly 30 per cent of India’s GDP, it is an imperative to equip them with the knowledge and tools to become resilient to cyber security breaches and grow their businesses sustainably.
SK Sahoo, Director, Ministry of MSME, Government of India, said while the Covid-19 pandemic have created considerable challenges for MSMEs, it has also created an opportunity for the MSMEs to expand their business via online platforms.
However, cyber security remains an area of serious concern for the MSMEs. He opined that vulnerabilities of MSMEs stems from several factors, such as - lack of understanding of cybersecurity risks, less prioritisation for cyber safety, limited capital allocation to cybersecurity, etc. It is important to bridge these gaps by imparting the required skills and knowledge on how to react when faced with cyber security breaches.
Aditya Kumar Sinha, Director & Centre Head, C-DAC Patna said there has been drastic increase in cybercrimes due to limited awareness and cyber hygiene. The risk of SME’s increases many folds seeing their cyberspace vulnerability. C-DAC Patna aims to operate as a national resource centre to address pressing cyber security issues, accelerate the creation, deployment and use of secure, standard-based technologies and solutions.
