Cyber Suraksha Exercise Launched to Boost Cyber Resilience in Defence

To bolster the country's cyber resilience, especially in the defence domain, a comprehensive Cyber Security Exercise code-named ‘ Cyber Suraksha’ was launched on 16 June 2025. The multi-phased exercise commenced on 16 June and will continue until 27 June 2025. 

The exercise assumes significance after reports that there were significant cyber attacks on the country during Operation Sindoor. The hackers sympathetic to Pakistan targeted the defence sector’s public sector enterprises and vendors. They also targeted critical infrastructure like ports, airports, power grids, telecom companies, the Indian railways network, etc. 

According to the Union Minister for Power, Manohar Lal Khattar, over two lakh cyber attacks were conducted on the power grids during Operation Sindoor. 

None of the cyber attacks were successful.

Who has organised the Cyber Suraksha Exercise? 

• The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff under the Union Ministry of Defence organised the Cyber Suraksha Exercise.

Participants and Aim of the Exercise 

The exercise involves around 100 people from the defence sector, national-level agencies, and stakeholders involved in cybersecurity. 

During the exercise, real cyber threats will be simulated, and the participants will attempt to thwart the cyber attack.

It will test the analytical skills of the cyber experts in dealing with a cyber attack.

It will also test the secure practices employed in the country to deal with cyber attacks.

The exercise will also organise a leadership conclave of the Chief Information Officer.

The Chief Information Security Officer of these institutions and agencies will undertake a Tabletop exercise.

Table Top Exercise 

A tabletop exercise is a form of cyber defence training in which personnel with roles and responsibilities meet and discuss their roles and responsibilities in case of an emergency (cyber attack). 

It is done to evaluate the institution's preparedness for such an emergency and also inform the participants of their role in the response.

Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff

The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff was set up in November 2001 by the Government of India.

It was set up on the recommendation of the Group of Ministers set up by the government of India to review the recommendation of the Kargil Review Committee.

The Kargil Review Committee was headed by K Subramanayam. 

Function 

• It plays a crucial role in coordination and integration and provides policy inputs for force structures, modernisation, and development of equipment of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

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