On May 19, 2025, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), in collaboration with SkillsDA, inaugurated the three-day national conference, CERT-In SAMVAAD 2025, at Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. The event, aimed at bolstering India’s cybersecurity audit ecosystem, brought together key stakeholders, including empanelled auditing organizations and regulators. This article explores the conference’s objectives, key discussions, and its significance for India’s digital security landscape.
Inaugural Highlights
Setting the Tone for Cybersecurity Innovation
The conference was inaugurated by Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), alongside Shri Brajendra Navnit, Principal Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, Dr. Kamakoti Veezhinathan, Director, IIT-Madras, Dr. N. Subramanian, Executive Director, SETS, and Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General, CERT-In. In his keynote address, Shri S. Krishnan emphasized the need for innovation in auditing, enhanced risk assessment, and capacity building to address evolving cyber threats. He highlighted the importance of collaboration to strengthen India’s cyber-resilient ecosystem.
CERT-In’s Vision for Cybersecurity
A Unique Platform for Auditors
Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General, CERT-In, described SAMVAAD 2025 as a pioneering global conference designed specifically for the auditing community. He outlined CERT-In’s robust framework for enhancing cybersecurity resilience, including the empanelment of Information Security Auditing Organizations for audits, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing. The conference aims to improve audit quality through discussions on new methodologies, frameworks, and case studies, empowering auditors to tackle emerging challenges.
Focus on Cyber Resilience
Addressing Evolving Threats
Dr. Kamakoti Veezhinathan, Director, IIT-Madras, underscored the importance of cyber resilience to ensure the continuity of essential services during cyber threats. He emphasized the need for comprehensive architectures and frameworks to support resilience programs across sectors. Dr. N. Subramanian, Executive Director, SETS, highlighted cybersecurity concerns related to emerging technologies like 5G/6G, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence, noting that the conference is a step toward formulating robust strategies.
Regional Cybersecurity Initiatives
Tamil Nadu’s Contribution
Shri Brajendra Navnit, Principal Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, highlighted the state’s cybersecurity initiatives and stressed the need for comprehensive audits to address risks to digital systems and sensitive data. He commended CERT-In for fostering collaboration among stakeholders to exchange innovative ideas and methodologies, strengthening India’s audit ecosystem.
Key Discussions and Tracks
Management and Technical Insights
The conference featured a panel discussion on “Cybersecurity Audits & Regulatory Expectations: Bridging the Gap”, moderated by Shri S.S. Sarma, Director Operations, CERT-In, with panellists from various regulators. The three-day event includes parallel management and technical tracks with over 70 presentations. The management track covers topics like human factors in auditing, C-suite risk management, and governance frameworks, while the technical track focuses on automated audit tools, securing IoT, AI/ML, blockchain, quantum computing, and cloud systems.
Impact on Cybersecurity Auditing
Driving Innovation and Efficiency
CERT-In SAMVAAD 2025 provides participants with actionable insights into the latest trends, tools, and methodologies in cybersecurity auditing. By focusing on automation and tech-driven efficiency, the conference empowers organizations to enhance audit quality and stay ahead in addressing challenges posed by cutting-edge technologies. The event fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing, contributing to a more cyber-resilient India.
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | CERT-In SAMVAAD 2025, inaugurated on May 19, 2025, in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu |
| Organizers | CERT-In and SkillsDA |
| Key Speakers | Shri S. Krishnan (MeitY), Dr. Sanjay Bahl (CERT-In), Dr. Kamakoti Veezhinathan (IIT-Madras) |
| Focus Areas | Cybersecurity audits, emerging technologies (AI, IoT, blockchain), cyber resilience |
| Tracks | Management (governance, risk management) and Technical (automation, next-gen tech) |
| Impact | Enhances audit quality, fosters collaboration, strengthens India’s cybersecurity ecosystem |