In News:

A comprehensive national-level cyber security exercise, Cyber Suraksha, was launched by the Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA) under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS).

About Cyber Suraksha

• Type: Multi-phased cybersecurity drill.
• Organised by: Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA) under the aegis of HQ IDS.
• Duration: From 17–27 June 2025.
• Participants: Over 100 experts from national agencies and defence domains.
• Environment: High-paced, gamified simulation of real-world cyber threats.

Objectives

• Enhance national cyber resilience.
• Train personnel in handling advanced cyberattacks.
• Promote a security-first culture across defence institutions.
• Integrate technical proficiency with strategic leadership.

Key Features

• Training capsules: Technical + leadership components.
• CISOs Conclave: Sessions by cybersecurity leaders, culminating in a table-top simulation.
• Hands-on exercises: Real-time attack simulations to test response capabilities.
• Focus on joint operations and decision-making under crisis.

About Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA)

Background

• Established: Announced in 2018, operational from November 2019.
• Origin: Recommended by Naresh Chandra Committee (2012).
• Part of India’s tri-service defence transformation, alongside proposed Aerospace and Special Operations Commands.

Role & Mandate

• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Defence (MoD).
• Reports to: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) through Integrated Defence Staff (IDS).
• Location: Based in New Delhi.

Functions

• Conducts cyber defence operations for the armed forces.
• Coordinates incident response, cyber intelligence, and audits.
• Develops capabilities in cyber warfare, AI-driven cyber tools, and joint operations.
• Supports capacity building, certification, and training within the military.