The Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC) and Hyderabad City Police organized the Hyderabad Annual Cybersecurity Knowledge (H.A.C.K) Summit 2023 on April 12 at the luxurious Taj Deccan in Banjara Hills. The event was generously sponsored by Nanda Kishore, Managing Director of Ramky Group, showcasing their commitment to cybersecurity in the region.
The summit brought together renowned speakers and experts to discuss the pressing issue of cybersecurity. The esteemed line-up included Chief Guest Janab Mohammed Mahmood Ali Sahab, Hon’ble Minister of Home, Prisons, and Fire Services of Telangana; Guest of Honour Padma Shri Dr. B. V. Mohan Reddy, Founder and Executive of Cyient; and Special Guest Sanjay Sahay, Ex. IPS, Founder & Director of TechConPro Pvt Ltd, Pro Public, and Indian Badminton Champion Jwala Gutta.
Opening the event, Secretary General of HCSC, Chaitanya Gorrepati, shared the objectives and aspirations of the summit: “H.A.C.K aims to empower businesses and citizens to tackle cybersecurity challenges by bringing together academics, security experts, businesspeople, and concerned citizens. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, we hope to make Hyderabad the Cybersecurity capital of India.”Chief Guest Mohammed Mahmood Ali emphasized the importance of cybersecurity in today's digital world, praising the proactive efforts of law enforcement and the government in combating cybercrime. He said, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble CM Sri K Chandra Shekar Rao and Hon’ble Minister Sri KT Rama Rao, Hyderabad has become a global leader. Cybersecurity is essential, and our proactive police force works closely with industry and business to combat cybercrime.”
The Home Minister also highlighted the government's focus on inclusivity, social security, and cybersecurity awareness: “We hope this summit bolsters our digital infrastructure's security. Women and Stree programs initiated by the police have positively impacted many lives, and our citizen-centric policing enhances visibility and effectiveness. Other states are adopting our successful initiatives.”
Continuing the conversation, HCSC Chairman and Hyderabad City Police Commissioner C. V. Anand, IPS, underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. “We aim to make H.A.C.K an annual event, bringing city police and businesses together on a single platform to address critical cybersecurity issues. This collaboration is essential for breaking down silos and finding solutions, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he remarked.
Mr.Anand also provided an overview of the various forums focusing on women, cyber, traffic, anti-narcotics, physical security, and CSR mobilization, mentioning initiatives like WeCop, Farishtey, and Stree counselling centres. He shared insights into the rapidly evolving cybercrime landscape and stressed the need for continuous awareness efforts and adaptations by law enforcement agencies. He also said that the HCSC will very soon organise similar summits on women’s safety, anti-narcotics, and traffic.
Special Guest Sanjay Sahay urged stakeholders, including students, police, industry, and citizens, to navigate the digital crossroads confidently and develop a cybersecurity attitude. He pointed out the challenges faced by police unfamiliarity with digital forensics and the growing prevalence of cybercrime in various industries.
Sahay also highlighted the ever-expanding cybercrime dictionary. He ended with a thought-provoking statement: “With 97% of Fortune 500 companies hacked and the remaining unaware, data is the new oil, AI is the new electricity, and hacking is the new normal.”
Guest of Honour Padma Shri Dr. B. V. Mohan Reddy provided insights into India's digital transformation, stressing the need for increased awareness, smarter tactics, and collaboration among stakeholders to create a secure digital environment. Dr. Reddy said, “India is the world's fastest transforming digital society, with 74 billion transactions last year and the lowest data consumption expense, reduced by 36x. Real-time data and quantum computing power democratize technology, increasing accessibility even in rural areas.”
However, he also warned that this connected world comes with risks as accessing information becomes easier: “Technology does not differentiate between good and bad users, exposing individuals, businesses, and law enforcement agencies to threats. Individuals face identity theft and financial loss, while businesses allocate budgets for cyber risk assessment and monitoring.”
To address these challenges, Dr. Reddy suggested a three-pronged approach:
1. Increase awareness levels and become cyber warriors, as there is no escape from technology.
2. Outsmart hackers by continuously adapting and learning.
3. Foster collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders to create a secure digital environment.
During the summit, the Cyber Squad was launched, and Cyber Squad jackets were presented to several students from various schools, including Delhi Public School, Nasr School, Glendale International School, Hyderabad Public School, and Kalpa School. These students will be ambassadors of cybersecurity awareness in their respective schools, helping to educate their peers on the importance of staying safe in the digital world.
The opening session was followed by an interesting interaction with Jwala Gutta on how to tackle cyberbullying.
Overall, the H.A.C.K Summit 2023 was a resounding success, fostering dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders in the field of cybersecurity. With its emphasis on raising awareness, promoting education, and sharing best practices, the event has laid the groundwork for Hyderabad to become the cybersecurity capital of India.
In a symbolic conclusion to the H.A.C.K Summit 2023, dignitaries unveiled the H.A.C.K 2023 logo, released the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) white paper, and showcased Cyber Security videos for citizen awareness. These initiatives demonstrate the commitment of the Hyderabad City Police, HCSC, and all participants in creating a more secure digital environment for citizens and businesses alike.
The dedication and expertise of the speakers, organizers, and attendees ensure that this annual event will continue to play a vital role in addressing the pressing cybersecurity challenges facing businesses, citizens, and law enforcement agencies, both in Hyderabad and across the nation.
Post lunch sessions : H.A.C.K. -2023
In a session held on fortifying the Businesses, Cyber security experts underscored the urgent need for creating awareness amongst the work force and on scaling up investing in enhancing Cyber security infrastructure .”We must smoke out vulnerabilities in the products that we develop or the services we render.Don’t wait for regulation. Make security awareness proactively part of the organisation’s culture.” opined Smt Sailaja Vadlamudi,VP Security- SAP
The other panelists Shri Bala prasad, Chief innovation officer-TCS, Mr.Praveen,Cyber security expert along with the moderator Mr.Santosh Kaveti, joint secretary HCSC- discussed the rapid acceleration of Artificial Intelligence, its implications on employment, cyber security etc.,
Indian film director Mr.S.S.Rajamouli participated in the fireside chat and shared his insights. Addressing the gathering he said that daily wage to the effluent class every member of the society is falling victim to the Cyber Crime.
To increase the wide reach of the awareness message he effortlessly switched into layminds mind, along with the moderator ,and role played potential victim & trickster. The fireside chat delved diligently discussed every tech term of several types of Cyber crimes and how to shield ourselves from falling into such traps. “Never accept video calls from unknown numbers.” he urged.
He patiently answered all the questions raised by the audience. Comprehensive sustained campaigns across all formats should be done, he opined.City Police Chief Mr.CV Anand along with the EC members of HCSC felicitated Mr.Rajamouli and thanked him.
“Mobilizing a collective defense against cyber threats is our utmost priority.” Said CP Anand, the HCSC chairman.
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