The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), along with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), has unveiled the second edition of the Cybersecurity Grand Challenge, or CSGC 2.0. This Cyber Security Grand Challenge would address critical problems in the space of cybersecurity for India to ascend further up in the international spectrum of cybersecurity. The prize money for this contest has also increased to INR 6.85 crore from last year, making CSGC 2.0 an unparalleled digital security challenge for the nation.

Principal Objectives of MeitY’s Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0

The essential goals of MeitY’s Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0 are as follows:

1. Identify innovative solutions and technologies to address the cybersecurity challenges in India.

2. Facilitate homegrown cybersecurity products and solutions to promote self-reliance in this pivotal area.

3. Bring the capabilities of the Indian cybersecurity industry onto the global map.

4. Encourage collaboration among industry, academics, and governments in this space with a synergistic approach to problem-solving.

5. Support the growth of the cybersecurity ecosystem in India by driving entrepreneurship and innovation.

6. Develop cybersecurity awareness and resilience within the country, thus upholding a strong defence against cyber threats.

This grand challenge shall open up Indian potential in cybersecurity and position India on the map for leadership in Cyber Security solutions.

Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0 Timelines

How will the Challenge Help Build a Secure Digital Ecosystem in India?

Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0 will play an important role in building a more secure digital ecosystem in India through:

1. Discovering weaknesses and breaches: The contest will identify existing gaps and vulnerabilities in digital systems and applications and their resolution before malicious actors can exploit them.

2. Cybersecurity skill enhancement: Professionals and enthusiasts will hone their skills and keep abreast of the latest cybersecurity trends, thereby strengthening India’s cybersecurity workforce.

3. Inspiring collective action: The challenge will bring together experts from academia, research, and industry to associate and share knowledge, best practices, and resources to improve the security framework.

4. Raising awareness: It will raise global awareness about the significance of cybersecurity, hence prompting both individuals and organizations to become more alert to the risks and dangers in the digital world and drive them to perform better security activities.

5. Setting standards: The challenge may help set some kind of benchmark for the best practices in the country and give directions on securing digital assets and infrastructure with international standards.

Stages of Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0

CSGC 2.0 is divided into four vital stages, with each stage intended to encourage incremental innovation in securing cyberspace solutions:

1. Idea stage: In this stage, participants need to submit innovative ideas in the cybersecurity field. Among these submissions, 36 startups representing six startups per problem area will be selected. The selection is based on the novelty and potential of the proposed solutions.

2. Minimum viable product (MVP) stage: Startup teams will build working prototypes of their solutions during this stage. This will ensure that ideas are translated into tangible products.

3. Final product stage: MVPs are further refined to make them market-ready products.  Each of the solutions developed in this stage is rigorously tested for effectiveness and scalability.

4. Go-to-market stage: This will be the final and the most crucial stage. Here, solutions offered by the contesting teams are assessed in terms of potential in the market. Each of the teams will be guided in launching and scaling their products, with a focus on real-world applications.

Each of the above stages will be accompanied by mentorship. Industry experts, government bodies, and academic professionals will guide participants at every stage of development—from ideation to product deployment. This is to make sure that startups have the support they need to succeed in this challenge. Prizes will be awarded to the winners based on the work done in each stage, with significant rewards awaiting the top performers.

Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0: Evaluation Process

Step I: Initial Quality Check & Review by the Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0 (CSGC 2.0) Organizing Committee

• Verify compliance with eligibility criteria for participating teams.
• Assess the quality and completeness of the responses in the nomination forms.

Step II: Assessment & Screening by the Jury

• Determine the weightage for each evaluation parameter.
• Conduct a thorough evaluation of the submitted ideas.
• Reach out to the designated SPOC (Single Point of Contact) for any additional information or supporting materials from the shortlisted nominations.
• If necessary, conduct onsite visits and interviews, then score the individual ideas.
• Shortlist the top-scoring ideas and select the top 36 startups (note: only one idea from each startup will qualify at the Idea stage).
• Final approval of the shortlisted startups by the Jury Panel.

Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0: Prize Money and Incentives

The total prize for CSGC 2.0 has been increased to INR 6.85 crore. This makes it one of India’s most rewarding cybersecurity competitions. The prize distribution is as follows:

• INR 25 lakh for the winners in each of the six problem areas at the Final Product Stage.
• INR 1 crore for the Platinum Winner.
• INR 50 lakh for the Gold Winner.
• INR 25 lakh for the Silver Winner.

CSGC 2.0 Problem Areas

The competition focuses on six major cybersecurity challenges that are fundamental to India’s digital future:

1. API security: Securing APIs, which are integral to modern web and mobile applications, is critical to safeguarding data.
2. Data protection: Protecting sensitive personal and business data from unauthorized access and breaches is essential for maintaining privacy.
3. Wearable device security: As wearable devices become more ubiquitous, ensuring the security of data exchanged by these devices is a growing concern.
4. Fake app mitigation: The proliferation of malicious apps poses a significant threat to users’ privacy and security. Combating these apps is vital for a safer digital ecosystem.
5. AI for threat detection: Artificial intelligence can be used to detect cyber threats more efficiently and effectively, providing a proactive defence mechanism.
6. Biometric systems security: As biometric systems are increasingly used for identity verification, ensuring their security is paramount to protecting personal data.

Expected Outcomes from the Challenge

Innovative solutions developed through CSGC 2.0 are expected to lead to several positive outcomes, including:

• Better cybersecurity tools to protect vital data and systems.
• Equipping start-ups with the necessary resources to build sustainable cybersecurity businesses.
• Strengthening the cybersecurity ecosystem with financial support and recognition.
• Enhance collaborations across industries, governments, and academic circles toward creating innovative solutions.
• Global positioning of India in the field of cybersecurity innovation.

This competition serves as a step towards making India a global player in the cybersecurity domain, displaying inventive strategies and entrepreneurial drive. To know more about Cybersecurity Grand Challenge 2.0 registration process, problem statements, evaluation process and parameters, Cybersecurity Grand Challenge 2.0 timeline, prize money, post-team registration, eligibility criteria, and rules and guidelines:-

Registrations for Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0 are now open!

Conclusion

Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0 by MeitY is more than just a competition. It is a significant part of India’s strategy to boost its cybersecurity infrastructure. By promoting innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, CSGC 2.0 offers a platform to address some of the most challenging cybersecurity problems of our time. With a robust prize pool, mentorship, and protection of intellectual property, this initiative offers tremendous opportunities for startups to develop solutions that will establish India’s fortified digital future.