The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, in collaboration with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, successfully organised a state-level workshop on “Strengthening Cyber Security Frameworks for State Data” at Altinho on June 18, 2026.
The workshop brought together senior government officials and representatives from multiple State departments to discuss strategies for enhancing cybersecurity preparedness, protecting citizen data, and building a more resilient digital ecosystem in Goa.
The inaugural session was attended by several distinguished officials, including Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, DITE&C; Dr Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, DITE&C; Shri Rahul Gupta, IPS, Superintendent of Police (Crime); Shri Aditya Madanpotra, IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests; Shri Akash Kantak, Deputy Director, DITE&C; Shri Rajesh Pednekar, Assistant Director, DITE&C; Shri Arshil Khan, Team Lead, Cyber Law, NeGD; Smt Sharda Katare, Head SeMT Goa; and Shri Alwyn Pais, Professor, Department of Computer Science & Engineering, NITK Surathkal.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar highlighted the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding citizen data and supporting public welfare. He explained that the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology has launched a four-stage initiative to establish a common cybersecurity framework for state data across the country.
He noted that each state is expected to establish a Security Operations Centre (SOC), a Cyber Incident Response Team (CSIRT), and a Cyber Crisis Management Plan. According to him, the Goa IT Department is actively working towards implementing these measures to ensure stronger protection for citizens and public digital infrastructure.
Shri Rahul Gupta, IPS, Superintendent of Police (Crime), stressed the growing importance of cybersecurity as governments increasingly rely on digital platforms for public service delivery. He emphasized that cyber hygiene, secure technology, trained personnel, responsible leadership, continuous monitoring, and tested security procedures are essential components of any modern digital governance framework.
He further observed that compromised government systems can impact not only citizen privacy but also criminal investigations, public safety, and trust in governance systems.
The workshop featured a detailed session on cybersecurity in digital governance, covering evolving cyber threats, data protection mechanisms, and cybersecurity best practices. Participants were also introduced to the national initiative focused on strengthening cybersecurity across States and Union Territories, including discussions related to the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act.
Officials representing departments such as Health, Agriculture, National Informatics Centre (NIC), Goa Electronics Limited (GEL), and Infotech Corporation of Goa Limited (ITG) participated in interactive sessions where they shared their cybersecurity practices, challenges, and ongoing initiatives.
One of the major highlights of the workshop was the breakout discussion sessions, where participants explored critical themes including risk-based security assessments, State Data Centre security, SWAN security, Security Operations Centres, Cyber Security Incident Response Teams, secure-by-design approaches, data classification and protection, and cybersecurity capacity building.
The discussions enabled departments to identify challenges, assess vulnerabilities, and formulate recommendations aimed at strengthening Goa’s cybersecurity framework. The recommendations gathered during the workshop will contribute to the development of the final national cybersecurity framework, which will be deliberated upon at the National Summit scheduled for August 2026.
The workshop reinforced Goa’s commitment to safeguarding citizen privacy, protecting critical digital infrastructure, and ensuring uninterrupted delivery of public services in an increasingly connected world.
Through continued awareness programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and cybersecurity training, DITE&C remains focused on building a secure and trusted digital ecosystem for the people of Goa.
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