AP Reviewing Its Cyber Security Framework To Safeguard Government Data

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh government on Saturday reviewed its cyber security framework as part of its efforts to strengthen protection of sensitive government data amid the expansion of digital governance.

The review became part of a State-level Cyber Security Workshop that Andhra Pradesh Technology Services (APTS) organised at the Secretariat to assess the existing cyber security ecosystem and formulate measures to enhance data protection across government departments.

APTS chairman Mannava Mohana Krishna said safeguarding citizens' personal information, health records, education data, land records, welfare databases, and financial information has become a priority as the government is expanding its citizen-centric digital services.

He said the workshop aims to establish uniform cyber security standards across departments, align the state's cyber security framework with global best practices, and build a resilient digital governance ecosystem.

The workshop, themed “Strengthening Cyber Security Frameworks across Government Systems for Securing State Data,” reviewed existing security practices, identified emerging vulnerabilities, and discussed measures to address evolving cyber threats.

Mohana Krishna stressed the need for continuous monitoring, periodic risk assessments, cyber security training, awareness programmes, and effective incident response mechanisms to strengthen public confidence in the digital government services.

The APTS chairman said the centre is conducting cyber security assessments across the states in coordination with state governments ahead of the National Cyber Security Conference scheduled in August. As part of the exercise, the National Cyber Security Team is reviewing cyber security standards across Andhra Pradesh government departments.

The workshop discussed protection of critical digital infrastructure, implementation of uniform security standards, strengthening of State Data Centres and the State Wide Area Network (SWAN), modernisation of legacy applications, enhancement of data privacy, appointment of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in departments, and measures to improve cyber resilience.

Officials from various departments presented their cyber security initiatives and best practices. Participants at the workshop divided themselves into six thematic groups to identify challenges and recommend measures, which will be incorporated into a comprehensive action plan.

APTS managing director Mallavarapu Suryateja emphasised the importance of continuous capacity building and adoption of advanced technologies to improve cyber security standards.

Others who attended the workshop included senior officials from various departments, representatives of MeitY, CERT-In, NIC, and cyber security experts.