Google India and Data Security Council of India (DSCI), launched ‘Internet Safety Programme’ for MSMEs to deal with cyber security challenges to stay safe and secure while operating online.

Under the program, DSCI and Google will organise several workshops in different cities, to help inculcate safe and responsible behaviour in cyber space by sharing best practices and techniques to address cyber security challenges, and spreading awareness on legal and regulatory obligations.

“Small and Medium Businesses play a critical role in the economic development of the country. Google is committed to bringing 20 mn Indian SMBs online by 2017. Our Internet Safety Campaign is an effort to raise awareness about responsible and safe internet practices amongst SMBs. This will help ensure SMBs as well their customers navigate the web safely and securely – many of whom would be coming online for the first time,” said Chetan Krishnaswamy, Country Head, public policy at Google.

Only about 5-6% of the 51 million SMEs in India are online, and by 2017, 20 million of these are expected to come online, said DSCI in a statement. In such a scenario, preparing them to face cyber threats is an imperative, as phishing, identity theft, online frauds, hacking, spamming and credit card frauds, among others become ever more common.

“India stands at a digital transformation stage where technology is making millions of businesses increase efficiency and productivity, get access to computing facilities and information they never had, but which could also create new vulnerabilities and expose them to new threats,” said Vinayak Godse, Senior Director, DSCI.

The program was inaugurated by Amitabh Kant, CEO, Niti Aayog.

Source: The Economic Times