Union power minister Manohar Lal, on September 23, 2024, inaugurated the new Computer Security Incident Response Team – Power (CSIRT – Power) facility at New Delhi.
On the occasion the minister said the CSIRT Power facility is a significant step forward in the mission to protect one of the most vital components of our national infrastructure—our power infrastructure, a government release said.
Background
In response to potential cyber threats, the Ministry of Power, as part of the 100-day initiatives, following the National Cyber Security Policy and in collaboration with CERT-In, initiated the creation of a specialized Computer Security Incident Response Team for the power sector (CSIRT-Power). Equipped with advanced infrastructure, cutting-edge cybersecurity tools, and key resources, CSIRT-Power is now well-prepared to tackle emerging threats. With a dedicated team of experts, it is set to become a cornerstone of the sector’s cyber defence, coordinating incident response, establishing a strong cybersecurity framework, and implementing crucial measures to enhance overall preparedness and resilience.
Objective
The primary objective of CSIRT-Power is to build and enhance the cybersecurity resilience in the Indian power sector, through a structured and coordinated approach. The associated key objectives are:
- To serve as the responsible agency for responding to and preventing cybersecurity incidents within the power sector
- To ensure a prompt and coordinated response to cyber threats in power sector
- To collect, analyze, and share information regarding power sector-specific cyber threats
- To ensure implementation of proactive measures to increase cybersecurity awareness and improve the overall cybersecurity posture of the power sector
- To promote sector specific best practices, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and security policies
- To provide cybersecurity expertise and assistance to constituent utilities
- To enhance cybersecurity in the power sector through capacity building measures like training, development of standards, and incident response drills, collaboration with educational institutions and industry.
- To facilitate cooperation among stakeholders in the power sector to build awareness and strengthen collective cybersecurity efforts
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Featured photograph sourced from X.com
