Cyber Shikshit Bharat Workshop Boosts Rashtrapati Bhavan Security
Staff at Rashtrapati Bhavan attend the Cyber Shikshit Bharat workshop to boost security against digital threats and online fraud.
In a major move to fortify the digital defenses of one of India’s most sensitive locations, staff at Rashtrapati Bhavan participated in a specialized three-day training program titled the Cyber Shikshit Bharat workshop. Held from October 12 to 14, the initiative focused on enhancing awareness and response capabilities against a growing spectrum of digital threats.
Strengthening Defenses Against Digital Attacks
The workshop was designed to address the evolving landscape of cybercrime, including online fraud, social engineering, and sophisticated digital attacks. Organized by cybersecurity firm Lisianthus Tech in collaboration with the Delhi Police, the program utilized the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) as its knowledge partner. Held at the Presidential Estate, the training blended traditional classroom learning with hands-on practical exercises specifically tailored to the high-security requirements of the estate.
Participants underwent intensive training to identify various digital vulnerabilities, including:
- Malicious links and digital manipulation
- Online impersonation and social media offences
- Compromised devices and unauthorized access
- Methods for preserving electronic evidence
- Rapid response protocols for cyber incidents
The initiative aims to ensure that digital vulnerabilities do not translate into physical security breaches at the Presidential Estate, equipping personnel with the tools to recognize and neutralize threats before they escalate.
The Shift from Physical to Digital Entry Points
Experts at the workshop emphasized that modern security is no longer confined to physical boundaries. Khushhal Kaushik, an ethical hacker and the Founder and CEO of Lisianthus Tech, noted that cyber threats often bypass conventional entry points. "They can come through a message, a link or a device," Kaushik stated, highlighting the critical need for staff to recognize these subtle digital incursions and know how to preserve evidence.
Dr. SK Verma, Chairman of Lisianthus Tech, further underscored that cyber awareness has become an indispensable component of modern security arrangements. This sentiment was echoed by DCP Alok Kumar of the Delhi Police, who pointed out that cyber threats can impact security systems regardless of physical barriers.
The Growing Scale of Cybercrime in India
The workshop comes at a time of alarming growth in digital crime across the country. Data cited during the program revealed that India recorded nearly 22.68 lakh cybercrime incidents in 2024, resulting in staggering financial losses of Rs 22,845 crore—a massive 206 per cent increase.
However, authorities are fighting back with significant scale. Statistics showed that by June 2026, the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System had helped save more than Rs 11,158 crore across over 32.80 lakh complaints. During that same period, law enforcement successfully blocked:
- 3,718 fraudulent mobile applications
- 15.75 lakh SIM cards
- 5.77 lakh International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers
By building institutional capabilities through programs like Cyber Shikshit Bharat, the goal is to reduce reliance on external assistance and create a self-reliant, highly aware security environment at the nation's most sensitive establishments.