New Delhi, Apr 7 (KNN) With a view to empowering MSMEs with knowledge and messages to deal with challenges concerning internet security, a focused internet safety programme has been launched.

Data Security Council of India (DSCI) in partnership with Google India, has conceived the ‘Internet Safety Program’ for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which was launched at an event here on April-6, according to an official release.

The objective of the program is to enhance trust in the cyberspace by empowering MSMEs with knowledge and messages to deal with challenges that have potential to compromise the security, stay safer and more secure while operating online.

The workshops organised under the campaign will aim to inculcate responsible behaviour by sharing best practices and guidance with the audience, equip them with necessary guidance, instructions and techniques to address cyber security challenges and spread awareness on the legal and regulatory obligations, it said.

Given that cyber security threats like phishing, identity theft, online frauds, hacking, spamming, credit card frauds, etc. are increasing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the strategic importance of cyber security at the launch of ‘Digital India’ initiative.

Needless to say, MSMEs play a critical role in the economic growth of India and are important contributors to country’s overall production, employment and GDP. Thus, the Internet Safety campaign for MSMEs becomes an imperative.

On the need for such a programme, there has been increasing attention to the MSME sector in the ‘Make-In-India’ initiative. There are 51 million SMEs in India. However, only 5 to 6 per cent of them are online. The country is witnessing a serious attempt to bring them online. It has been estimated that by 2017, 20 million of them would be online. Apart from online presence, these companies will be spending on IT products that include mobility, social media and cloud in order to increase their customer reach, manage customer relationships better, and ensure efficiency in operations, it said.

Moreover, the drive to digitization is not immune from cyber security threats. Without due consideration to cyber security, the momentum of online and digitization would face serious hindrances.  (KNN Bureau)