New Delhi: Kaspersky and CERT-In ( the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) have signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to collaborate in the cybersecurity space. The MoU was signed on late last month.
Under the signed MoU, Kaspersky and CERT-In will work together to build a cooperative relationship and facilitate the fulfilment of mutual goals of creating safe and secure cyberspace in India.
CERT-In is a national cybersecurity agency of India based in New Delhi and it operates as a nodal agency under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology – Government of India.
Governments, businesses, and consumers are increasingly faced with a variety of sophisticated cyber threats in today’s rapidly evolving digital age. Hence, there is an ever-increasing need for cybersecurity experts and government bodies to join forces to combat such threats effectively.
Both Kaspersky and CERT-In have been constantly striving to enhance the overall security of the computing environment through their commitment to security, privacy protection, reliability, incident response, and integrity.
Both the entities have been able to accurately recognise the adversaries in the cyberspace. Through this partnership, Kaspersky’s expertise and access to global data on evolving threat landscapes will support the activities of CERT-In for cyber incident management and critical information protection, capacity building and enhancing users trust in digital technologies.
This MoU would facilitate cooperation for detection of latest cybersecurity threats that can adversely affect the information assets and privacy of the general users in the country and devise appropriate security measures to enable such users to secure their systems.
The primary activities entailed via this MoU include:
- Sharing of relevant technical information, threat intelligence, and data feed by Kaspersky with CERT-In to enhance information security in India.
- Providing expert support and technical exchange such as cybersecurity incident reporting, incident analysis and response, cybersecurity audit, and malware analysis.
- Execution of training programs within the framework of Kaspersky Global Transparency Initiatives such as Code Review and Assessment Training.
- Execution of joint projects such as supporting awareness initiatives undertaken by CERT-In in India and partnering with Kaspersky Innovative Arm (Kaspersky iHub) through mentorship and accelerator programs for supporting Indian start-ups with innovative cybersecurity projects.
“This MoU is a stepping- stone toward the much-needed collaboration between two crucial entities in the field of cybersecurity,” said Genie Gan, Head of Public Affairs -Asia Pacific, Kaspersky.
“Considering the complex nature of cyber threats that we are encountering in today’s world, such a strategic partnership between Kaspersky and CERT-In is not only necessary but also inevitable,” added Gan.
“As the complexity, frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks continue to increase, the pandemic has amply highlighted that we are codependent, interconnected & vulnerable,” said Dr Sanjay Bahl, Director-General, CERT-In.
“Our partnership with Kaspersky will help towards creating a robust, safe, secure and resilient digital economy in a vibrant digital India,” added Dr Bahl.