AP Reviewing Its Cyber Security Framework To Safeguard Government Data
: The Andhra Pradesh government on Saturday reviewed its cybersecurity framework as part of efforts to strengthen protection of sensitive government data amid expansion of digital governance.
The review was part of the State-level Cybersecurity Workshop organized by Andhra Pradesh Technology Services (APTS) at the Secretariat to assess the existing cybersecurity ecosystem and formulate measures to improve data protection across government departments.
APTS chairman Mannava Mohana Krishna said protecting citizens’ personal information, health records, education data, land records, welfare databases and financial information has become a priority as the government expands citizen-centric digital services.
He said the workshop aims to establish uniform cybersecurity standards across departments, align the state’s cybersecurity framework with global best practices, and create a resilient digital governance ecosystem.
In the workshop themed “Strengthening Cyber Security Frameworks in Government Systems to Ensure the Security of Government Data”, existing security practices were reviewed, emerging security vulnerabilities were identified and measures against developing cyber threats were discussed.
Mohana Krishna emphasized the need for continuous monitoring, periodic risk assessments, cybersecurity training, awareness programs and effective incident response mechanisms to strengthen public trust in digital government services.
The APTS chief said the center is conducting cybersecurity assessments across states in coordination with state governments ahead of the National Cybersecurity Conference scheduled for August. As part of the exercise, the National Cyber Security Team is reviewing cyber security standards in Andhra Pradesh government departments.
The workshop discussed measures to protect critical digital infrastructure, implement uniform security standards, strengthen State Data Centers and State Wide Area Network (SWAN), modernize legacy applications, increase data privacy, appoint Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) to departments, and increase cyber resilience.
Officials from various departments presented cybersecurity initiatives and best practices. Participants of the workshop divided themselves into six thematic groups to identify challenges and recommend measures to be included in a comprehensive action plan.
APTS director general Mallavarapu Suryateja emphasized the importance of continuous capacity building and adoption of advanced technologies to improve cybersecurity standards.
Senior officials from various departments, MeitY, CERT-In, NIC representatives and cyber security experts also attended the workshop.
