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MSME Ministry Leads Cybersecurity Push with ‘Cyber Jagrit Bharat’ Drive to Empower Small Businesses
To boost digital safety for small businesses, the Ministry of MSME hosted a nationwide session on cyber resilience, financial fraud protection, and digital awareness. Over 1,500 stakeholders joined in to build a stronger, safer, and smarter Cyber Jagrit Bharat.
New Delhi, 15 October 2025: In a key move to strengthen India’s digital safety net, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) hosted a high-impact knowledge session titled “Building Cyber Resilience Towards a Cyber Jagrit Bharat”. The event was conducted in hybrid mode and brought together over 1,500 participants from across the MSME ecosystem, including entrepreneurs, field officials, associations, banks, and law enforcement.
This initiative was part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month and aimed at empowering MSMEs-the backbone of India’s economy-to fight cyber threats, reduce digital frauds, and adopt secure digital practices.
Top Highlights from the Cyber Awareness Session
Shri S.C.L. Das, Secretary, MSME
In his keynote speech, Shri Das emphasized:
“A Viksit Bharat (Developed India) requires a Sashakt Bharat (Empowered India), which in turn needs an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). And that’s possible only through Cyber-Sashakt MSMEs.”
He called for joint action by government, industry, citizens, and MSMEs to build a digitally secure and resilient ecosystem.
Dr. Simmi Chaudhary, CISO & Joint Secretary, MSME Ministry
She highlighted how cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, but a core pillar of business survival and economic resilience.
“Every MSME must adopt strong cyber practices-not just to protect itself, but to drive trust and innovation in India’s digital economy,” she stated.
Delhi Police Special Cell (IFSO) Insights
Senior officials from the Intelligence Fusion & Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit gave valuable insights:
- DCP Vinit Kumar explained the "Golden Hour" approach: Report fraud immediately via
- 1930 Helpline
- cybercrime.gov.in to freeze fraudulent transactions quickly.
- ACP Vijay Gahlawat demonstrated how the National Cyber Forensic Lab helps trace fraud, collect digital evidence, and prosecute criminals. He guided MSMEs on:
- Filing reports using 14-digit complaint IDs
- Cross-jurisdiction coordination
- Whistleblower protection and data chain-of-custody
Banking Sector’s Role in MSME Protection
HDFC Bank’s Shri Amit Thakur and PNB’s Shri Rupinder Singh Talwar shared key cyber fraud trends affecting MSMEs:
- UPI scams, fake merchant links,payment gateway breaches
- Business email compromise (BEC) attacks
- Social engineering via fake job offers, QR codes, etc.
They also explained how banks are strengthening security using:
- Real-time intrusion detection
- Encrypted API for merchant transactions
- Continuous vulnerability testing
- Customer awareness campaigns and fraud hotlines
MSME Queries Addressed
Participants raised crucial real-world questions:
- How quickly can funds be recovered after fraud?
- Which cybersecurity solutions are best for small budgets?
- Are there staff training programs for MSMEs?
- What remedies exist for cross-border cybercrimes?
All were answered by experts, reinforcing the ministry’s mission to support and protect MSMEs in the digital era.
Why It Matters:
With more MSMEs going digital, they are becoming easy targets for cybercriminals. This event is part of the government's focused strategy to create a Cyber Jagrit Bharat- where every MSME is:
- Digitally Aware
- Cyber Secure
- Business Resilient
Such initiatives empower entrepreneurs, build trust in digital platforms, and push India closer to the dream of a self-reliant, digitally inclusive economy.
Key Takeaways for MSMEs:
- Report cyber frauds immediately using 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in
- Train staff regularly on phishing, deepfakes & digital hygiene
- Choose affordable, scalable cybersecurity tools
Don’t ignore small vulnerabilities-your business depends on it!
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