To safeguard Gujarat’s strategic energy infrastructure from potential cyber-attacks, the state government has constituted:
- an 11-member Core Committee, and
- a 19-member Task Force
for power-sector cybersecurity, citing an increased risk of deliberate cyber intrusions and systemic disruptions in the current geopolitical environment. The initiative aims to build a “Digital Fortress” for power sector.
Why This Move?
- Gujarat supplies 24×7 power and operates smart grids, smart meters, SCADA & IoT-based systems.
- These digital systems improve efficiency, but also increase cyber-attack exposure.
- Globally, power grids are prime targets for state-sponsored and independent cyber attackers.
- A vulnerability in:
- a smart meter, or
- a SCADA terminal
- can potentially trigger widespread outages or data manipulation.
Criticality
The power sector is vital for:
- economic stability
- essential services
- national security
Hence, robust cyber-defence mechanisms are necessary to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
Leadership & Institutional Structure
Core Committee (Cybersecurity- Power Sector)
Headed by: ACS/Principal Secretary/Secretary, Energy & Petrochemicals Department (EPD)
Members include:
- MD, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL)
- Department of Science & Technology representative
- Home Department representative
- National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU)
- Director (West Zone), National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC)
- Representatives from:
- IIM-Ahmedabad
- IIT-Gandhinagar
- Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
Task Force (Implementation Body)
Headed by: Chairperson / MD, GUVNL
Members include:
- MDs of:
- MGVCL
- DGVCL
- PGVCL
- UGVCL
- MDs of:
- GETCO
- GSECL
- Cyber-security experts & representatives from:
- GTU
- LD College of Engineering
- Other technical institutions
Note: Unlike advisory groups, these bodies will design and execute a comprehensive Cybersecurity Roadmap.
Key Objectives of Core Committee & Task Force
1. Infrastructure Audit
- Comprehensive review of IT & Operational Technology (OT) systems
- Identification of vulnerabilities in critical energy assets
2. Institutional Collaboration
- Partnership with academic institutions & cyber-experts
- Staying ahead of emerging malware & threat vectors
3. Cyber Drills & Incident Response
- Regular stress-tests & mock breach simulations
- Strengthening incident handling capabilities
4. Training & Human-Firewall Creation
- Staff awareness on:
- phishing
- ransomware
- social-engineering attacks
- Cultivating a cyber-secure organisational culture
5. Policy & Standards Alignment
- Updating state-wide cybersecurity policies
- Ensuring compliance with national standards & framework.
Significance of Initiative
- Builds a proactive cyber-defence architecture for the power sector
- Protects critical energy infrastructure & public services
- Enhances:
- grid resilience
- operational safety
- public trust in power systems
- Supports national critical infrastructure protection objectives
- Positions Gujarat as a leader in cyber-secure energy governance