Launch of AI and Cyber Threat Research Centre in India
In a significant move to bolster cybersecurity across India, Zscaler has teamed up with Bharti Airtel to establish the AI and Cyber Threat Research Centre. This initiative aims to enhance the nation’s cyber-resilience while promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors.
A Focus on Cyber-Resilience
The newly formed research centre is dedicated to protecting critical infrastructures vital to India’s economic and national security, including telecommunications, banking, and energy sectors. It also aims to foster trusted AI adoption throughout India’s burgeoning digital landscape. This strategic initiative is more than just a research facility; it symbolizes a united front against escalating cyber threats.
India’s Cybersecurity Landscape
India has long been a pivotal player in Zscaler’s advancements in technology and cyber research. The country is home to a substantial portion of Zscaler’s research talent, which is poised to contribute to this national endeavour. The centre represents an expansion in Zscaler’s operations, facilitating collaboration among businesses, government entities, academia, and other stakeholders.
Designed with the motto “In India, for India,” the centre’s primary mission is to fortify the nation’s cyber defenses and cultivate a workforce prepared for the challenges ahead. The initiative aligns with India’s ambitions of achieving Viksit Bharat, which emphasizes a self-reliant, digitally secure future.
Facing Evolving Threats
As India undergoes extensive digital transformation, the scale of this initiative is not just about supporting enterprises but catering to the population at large. This expansive growth increases vulnerabilities, making the country’s digital ecosystem a prime target. The threat landscape is constantly shifting, with both nation-state actors and financially motivated cybercriminals leveraging AI to exploit potential vulnerabilities at an unprecedented pace.
Zscaler’s research unit, ThreatLabz India, has recorded a staggering number of infiltration attempts monthly. Some high-profile attacks include:
- State-Sponsored Cyber Espionage: Noteworthy campaigns have tried to target various Indian organizations under the guise of geopolitical tensions.
- Increased Intrusions: Reports indicate over 1.2 million attempts aimed at 58 digital entities in India, sourced from approximately 20,000 different origins.
- Zero-Day Exploit Attempts: There’s been a marked increase in attempts to exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities across various industries.
Key Objectives of the Research Centre
The AI and Cyber Threat Research Centre operates under four foundational pillars:
-
Protection: Offer real-time, actionable insights to bolster national cybersecurity and support digital businesses.
-
Remediation: Collaborate closely with government bodies to neutralize and preempt cyber threats.
-
Facilitation: Encourage the adoption of modern security practices, focusing on AI-driven safeguards and a Zero Trust framework.
-
Talent Development: Address the cybersecurity skills gap by providing specialized certifications in AI and Zero Trust practices.
Collaborative Strength
As the founding members, Zscaler and Airtel plan to merge Zscaler’s vast intelligence network with Airtel’s operational strengths. This partnership is set to create a faster and more efficient research-to-response mechanism tailored for India. Specifically, Zscaler is establishing a dedicated threat research team in the country.
This team will tap into the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange, which examines over 500 billion transactions daily, to obtain crucial threat intelligence aimed at safeguarding both public and private sectors. Airtel will enhance this effort through its in-depth visibility into IoT and mobile traffic, allowing for the swift identification of suspicious activities and improved coordination with relevant stakeholders.
Expanding Membership
Future plans for the centre include extending invitations to additional members from both public and private sectors in India. This expansion is intended to foster greater collaboration and ultimately enhance the country’s cyber-resilience.
Commitment to a Secure Digital India
Gopal Vittal, Executive Vice-Chairman of Bharti Airtel, emphasized the partnership’s significance, stating that it embodies Airtel’s dedication to securing both customers and the nation’s digital landscape. This collaboration aims to address specific challenges within the Indian market, ultimately fostering a safer digital environment for all citizens and businesses.
Meanwhile, Zscaler’s CEO, Jay Chaudhry, noted that the current digital ambitions cannot be adequately secured with outdated systems. He stressed the necessity for a Zero Trust architecture that is inherently secure, ensuring the nation’s public and private sectors are prepared for future challenges.
Through this centre, the aim is not just to enhance readiness but to empower a new generation of cybersecurity professionals capable of outpacing adversaries in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
