Despite deploying 4.74 million 5G base stations since October 2022, India’s corporate investment in cybersecurity remains minimal, said M U Nair, National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC), during his address at CyberComm 2025 organized by FICCI.
The Cybersecurity Imperative
Nair urged industry leaders to prioritize cybersecurity by integrating professionals into corporate boards and mandating security disclosures in annual reports. He emphasized that proactive governance and investment are critical to safeguarding India’s digital infrastructure amidst its rapid technological advancements.
Speaking on the importance of supply chain security, Nair highlighted India’s National Security Directive, which restricts telecom infrastructure to trusted sources. He noted similar measures are being explored for the power sector to protect energy grids from cyber threats.
“Since 2021, India’s telecom networks have been safeguarded from vulnerabilities due to supply chain measures. Extending these protections to the power sector is the government’s next focus,” Nair stated.
Vision for Collaborative Cybersecurity Models
The NCSC proposed the establishment of industry-led collaborative centers of excellence to provide continuous monitoring and sector-specific cybersecurity services. These centers would foster shared responsibility among industry bodies to enhance risk management and protect critical infrastructure.
“We need a commercial model where sectoral centers can protect industries through continuous monitoring and risk assessment,” Nair said.
Addressing the Cyber Talent Shortage
To counter the acute shortage of cybersecurity professionals, the government is introducing measures such as cybersecurity modules in school curriculums and specialized BTech and MTech programs in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Market Set for Explosive Growth
Suprakash Chaudhuri, Co-Chair of FICCI’s Technology Committee and Country Head for Siemens Digital Industries, projected a substantial market opportunity for India’s cybersecurity sector. He estimated growth from $5.56 billion in 2025 to $12.9 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 18.33%.
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The Way Forward
India’s rapid digital expansion underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity frameworks. With government initiatives, industry collaboration, and a focus on talent development, the country aims to position itself as a leader in secure digital innovation while protecting its critical infrastructure from emerging cyber threats.
Cybersecurity, as Nair emphasized, is not just an IT issue—it is a foundational aspect of national security and economic resilience.
