Deloitte, one of the global Big Four professional services firms, has launched ConnectSafe, a cybersecurity facility in Bengaluru.
The facility aims to safeguard connected ecosystems, human lives, and critical infrastructure from evolving cyber threats, marking a shift from traditional data-centric cybersecurity approaches.
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
| Facility Name | ConnectSafe |
| Launched by | Deloitte |
| Location | Bengaluru |
| Nature | Cybersecurity testing and simulation facility |
| Unique Feature | First-of-its-kind in India |
| Focus | Human safety + critical infrastructure protection |
About ConnectSafe Facility
- A 4,500 sq. ft. cybersecurity facility
- Provides a live simulation environment to replicate real-world cyber threats
- Focuses on:
- Connected systems security
- Systemic cyber risk mitigation
- Moves beyond: Traditional data protection models
- Targets: Protection of physical systems and human lives
Key Functional Features
Real-world Simulation Environment
- Simulates cyber threats across multiple sectors:
- Automotive
- MedTech (Medical Technology)
- Industrial systems
- Consumer ecosystems
- Enables:
- Testing of vulnerabilities
- Validation of security controls
Testing without Operational Disruption
- Organisations can:
- Test cybersecurity systems
- Validate responses
- Without affecting:
- Live operations
- Production environments
Multi-Stakeholder Access
| Users | Purpose |
| Organisations | Test and strengthen security frameworks |
| Researchers | Study cyber vulnerabilities |
| Academic institutions & students | Learning and experimentation |
| Governments | Assess risk in critical infrastructure |
End-to-End Security Approach
- Covers:
- Micro-level components
- Large-scale infrastructure systems
- Focuses on: Next-generation connected systems
Shift in Cybersecurity Approach
| Traditional Approach | ConnectSafe Approach |
| Data protection | Protection of human life and infrastructure |
| IT systems focus | Operational Technology (OT) + IoT systems |
| CIO/CISO-driven | Multi-sector risk management |
Importance in Current Context
- Increasing cyber risks due to: Rapid digitisation and Growth of connected ecosystems
- Vulnerabilities can impact Critical Infrastructure: : Power plants, Transport systems, Banking system, Healthcare infrastructure
- Disruption can impact: National security, Economy
- Cyberattacks can lead to: Physical disruptions and Threats to human safety
- India is witnessing rapid expansion in: Mobility (smart transport),Manufacturing (Industry 4.0), Healthcare (digital health systems), Energy systems,Digital public infrastructure, Agriculture technology
- This increases:
- Cyber-attack surface
- Need for advanced cybersecurity frameworks
India’s Cybersecurity Framework
- Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)
- National Cyber Security Policy (2013)
- Focus on: Cyber resilience and Incident response
Cybersecurity Concepts
- Cybersecurity: Protection of systems, networks, and data from cyber threats
- Operational Technology (OT): Systems controlling physical devices (e.g., power grids, factories)
- Internet of Things (IoT): Network of connected device
Cyber Threat Landscape
- Types of threats: Ransomware, Malware attacks, Phishing, Infrastructure hacking
Deloitte
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Professional services firm |
| Category | Big Four |
| Services | Audit, tax, consulting, risk advisory |
| Big Four Firms | Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG |