HACK call for cyber resilience

 The Hyderabad Annual Cybersecurity Knowledge Summit, H.A.C.K. 2.0, concluded with resounding success, drawing prominent voices from government, industry, and law enforcement. The summit, hosted by the Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC), highlighted urgent cybersecurity issues and underscored the role of digital citizens in creating a resilient cyber landscape.

Inaugural Highlights

In his opening address, Shri C. V. Anand, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, and Chairman of HCSC, emphasized, “Cybersecurity is no longer just a policing duty—it’s a collective responsibility. Our digital world demands vigilance and proactive measures from every individual, every business, and every government entity. Together, we can make Hyderabad a beacon of cybersecurity awareness and action.” The summit’s purpose, as highlighted in this year’s theme, "From Awareness to Action: Shaping a Secure Digital Future," is to raise cybersecurity awareness, equip citizens with knowledge, and encourage proactive measures in combating digital threats.

Chief Guest, Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Minister for Information Technology, Telangana, commended HCSC's efforts, noting, “Telangana is deeply committed to fortifying digital security, with comprehensive policies and public initiatives. Events like H.A.C.K. 2.0 are crucial in galvanizing action and building a culture of cybersecurity.”

Keynote Address: A Call for Proactive Measures

In his keynote, Shri Brijesh Singh, IPS, Additional DGP of Maharashtra, stated, “Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and so must our strategies. We need to anticipate, adapt, and act with urgency. Collaborative efforts among law enforcement, private sector, and citizens are essential to secure our digital future.”

Shri C. Shekar Reddy, Secretary General of HCSC, stressed HCSC’s role in fostering public and private partnerships for cybersecurity. He highlighted, “HCSC is not just about addressing cyber threats but also about empowering citizens and businesses. We invite acevery organization and individual to join us in our mission to make Hyderabad a model city for digital security and resilience.”

Presentation on Cyber Threat Landscape in Telangana

Smt. Shikha Goel, IPS, DGP CID Telangana and Director of TG Cyber Security Bureau, provided attendees with critical insights into the cyber threat landscape across Telangana. Her presentation covered recent investigative successes and the pressing need for strengthened collaboration between citizens, industry, and law enforcement to combat escalating cyber threats.

Panel Discussions and Key Takeaways

The summit featured three impactful panel discussions covering essential cybersecurity topics:

Cyber Threats Landscape in India – Trends, Strategies, and Evolving Legal Framework: Moderated by Shri Krishna Sastry Pendyala from EY, this panel explored current cyber threat trends, regulatory frameworks, and strategic approaches. Panelists included Smt. Shikha Goel, IPS, Shri Eswara Sai Prasad Chunduru from IBM, Professor Srikrishna Deva from NALSAR University, and Shri Chinmoy Kumar from the RBI.

AI and Cybersecurity: A Two-Way Street – Defense Strategies, Forensics, and Emerging Threats: Led by Shri Sridhar Sidhu from AT&T, this panel examined the dual role of AI in cybersecurity, exploring its potential for both defense and malicious use. Panelists included Dr. Ganesh Ghalme from IIT, Shri Bala Prasad Peddigiri from TCS, Shri Praveen Kumar Tangela from Alliant Talent, and Professor Ponnurangam Kumaraguru (PK) from IIIT Hyderabad.

The Evolving Role of Digital Citizens and Businesses: Building Resilience Against Cyber Threats in a Borderless World: Moderated by Shri Santosh Kaveti, CEO of ProArch, this discussion emphasized the importance of cyber literacy and resilience among digital citizens and small businesses. Dr. Prasad Patibandla of CRCIDF and Smt. Kavitha Dara, DCP of Cyber Crimes, Hyderabad, shared insights into empowering communities against cyber threats.

Interactive Engagements and "I AM READY" Campaign Launch

A live demo by Shri Manish Yadav showcased advanced cybersecurity tools and techniques. The audience was further captivated by a street play highlighting everyday cybersecurity challenges and practical solutions.

A standout session was the Fireside Chat led by Shri Bharani Kumar Aroll of HCSC and actor Adivi Sesh. During this discussion, the “I AM READY” campaign was launched, encouraging citizens to pledge their commitment to digital safety. Bharani Kumar Aroll remarked, “Our campaign is a call to every citizen to be proactive in their digital safety, because security starts with each one of us.” Attendees received digital badges for taking the pledge, symbolizing their dedication to fostering a safer online environment.

To further this mission, the event featured the launch of short films aimed at enhancing public awareness on cybersecurity. Additionally, a street play (role play) was performed to creatively engage citizens and highlight the importance of cyber vigilance in everyday life.

The "I AM READY" campaign was launched, engaging attendees to pledge their commitment to following cyber hygiene practices, spreading awareness, and becoming responsible digital citizens. Participants who took the pledge received digital badges as a symbol of their dedication to creating a safer digital society.

Closing Ceremony

The summit concluded with a closing ceremony recognizing the contributions of all partners, speakers, and participants. In his final remarks, Shri Santosh Kaveti, Joint Secretary, Cyber Forum, HCSC, called for continued collaboration and vigilance in the journey to a secure digital future. Over 500 attendees joined the H.A.C.K. 2.0 Summit, including business leaders, educators, government representatives, law enforcement officials, and cybersecurity experts, all gathered to discuss and strengthen Hyderabad’s digital resilience.

About HCSC

The Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC) is a public-private initiative aimed at advancing cybersecurity awareness, education, and action across Hyderabad. H.A.C.K. 2.0 exemplifies HCSC’s commitment to building a resilient digital landscape by uniting government, industry, and citizens under a shared vision for digital security.

Together, we are building a secure digital future for Hyderabad