CSC e-Governance Services India Limited and Fortinet Partner to Bolster Cybersecurity in Rural India

Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity known for integrating networking and security solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with CSC e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC SPV), a Special Purpose Vehicle established by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), Government of India. The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to boost the cybersecurity resilience of networks and systems supporting government services at Common Service Centres (CSCs) across rural India. This agreement marks a significant advancement in securing e-governance services and CSC networks by enhancing cybersecurity measures, adopting best practices, and offering user training.

Key Aspects of the MoU:

– Strengthening Rural Cybersecurity: The collaboration will focus on improving the security of broadband-enabled rural service points, which deliver Government to Citizen (G2C), Business to Customer (B2C), and Business to Business (B2B) services. By deploying Fortinet’s leading cybersecurity solutions, CSCs will be better prepared to safeguard rural residents against various cyber threats.

– Advanced Technical Support: Fortinet will aid in the design and implementation of ICT solutions with an emphasis on cybersecurity and network protection. This effort will bolster CSC SPV’s capability to provide secure ICT infrastructure and services to government departments, public sector units, and rural banking sectors.

– Cybersecurity Training: The MoU highlights the importance of increasing cybersecurity awareness and readiness. Fortinet will conduct regular training sessions and provide resources to enhance the skills and knowledge of CSC SPV’s staff, preparing them to tackle evolving cybersecurity challenges.

– Optimized ICT Infrastructure: The partnership will focus on delivering optimized, high-performance, and centralized management solutions for ICT infrastructure, aiming to improve the cybersecurity posture of rural India. By addressing the needs of rural communities, Fortinet and CSC SPV seek to ensure secure and efficient delivery of essential government services.

– Promotion of Best Practices: Both organizations will work together to promote best practices and develop advanced security strategies. This will involve sharing information, providing joint advisories, and hosting technical presentations to deepen the understanding of effective ICT solutions. Workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions will further refine the strategic approach to cybersecurity.

Statements from Key Figures:

Sanjay Rakesh, MD and CEO of CSC SPV, stated, “Our commitment at CSC is to enhance the security, privacy, reliability, and integrity of our computing environment. This partnership highlights our shared dedication to improving the cybersecurity landscape in rural India, ensuring a secure digital future for all. By combining Fortinet’s global cybersecurity expertise with CSC SPV’s broad reach, this alliance is set to significantly enhance the protection of India’s digital infrastructure and support the nation’s economic and digital security.”

Vishak Raman, Vice President of Sales for India, SEA, and ANZ at Fortinet, added, “Addressing cybercrime requires extensive collaboration, transparency, and accountability beyond individual organizations. Our partnership with CSC demonstrates Fortinet’s commitment to strengthening cyber resilience in India. Together, we aim to tackle network and security challenges and protect critical government services and applications that are vital for e-governance, ensuring a secure and resilient digital future for all citizens.”