Power Utilities explore ways to Counter Cyber Threats
Team News Riveting
Lucknow, September 12
A regional conference-cum-workshop on cybersecurity awareness for power sector professionals from various power utilities in the Northern Region was organized at Lucknow on 12th September 2025.
The event was organized by the Computer Security Incident Response Team – Power (CSIRT-Power), Ministry of Power in association with NTPC Limited hosted by NTPC Northern Region Headquarters, Lucknow as part of the Ministry’s efforts to build awareness and resilience against cyber threats.
The event witnessed participation from senior officials, experts, and over 150 delegates from power sector utilities of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Laddakh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttarakhand, NTPC, POWERGRID, NHPC, THDC, SJVNL, PFC, SECI, REC and other Central PSUs as well as private sector.
The delegates deliberated on the growing cybersecurity challenges faced by power utilities and discussed the role of advanced technologies such as AI in the field of Cyber Security in detecting, preventing, and mitigating cyber-attacks. The workshop emphasized the need for strengthening cybersecurity frameworks and enhancing preparedness across the power sector.
Highlighting the importance of such initiatives, L K S Rathore, Director (Cyber Security), CSIRT-Power, Ministry of Power spoke about the strategic significance of cybersecurity in the power sector and outlined the various steps being taken by the Ministry to ensure robust defence mechanisms. He emphasized the need for collaboration, training, and technology-driven solutions to combat sophisticated cyber-attacks.
Narendra Bhooshan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy & Additional Sources of Energy, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh & Chairman, UPNEDA, spoke about the state’s commitment to strengthening its energy infrastructure against cyber threats and appreciated the Ministry of Power’s approach in the field of cyber security. He stressed upon the out of box thinking required for countering the enhanced cyber threats and urged for collaboration with young, vibrant minds of India for developing innovative solutions.
Dr Ashish Kumar Goel, IAS, Chairman, UPPCL, highlighted how proactive governance and policy interventions can support technology adoption for cyber defence. Citing the increased and targeted malicious activities against the Indian power sector, he called for enhanced efforts for securing the critical sector. He also talked about the cyber preparedness of UPPCL and active efforts being taken in this direction.
Smt. Rishika Sharan, Member Secretary, NRPC, emphasized the criticality of cybersecurity in the power sector and underscored the need for continuous coordination among regional utilities to enhance incident response mechanisms.
Goutam Deb, Regional Executive Director, NTPC, addressed the role of cybersecurity preparedness and operational safety in safeguarding critical infrastructure & conveyed gratitude to the Ministry of Power for providing the opportunity for hosting this event. He talked about today’s increasingly interconnected and digitalized energy landscape while stressing that cybersecurity is not optional—it is indispensable.
In his presentation, A K Patel, GM (IT) & CISO, NTPC, provided an overview of NTPC’s cyber defence frameworks and incident response strategies, urging utilities to adopt advanced cybersecurity protocols.
The workshop also included sessions on the role of CSIRT-Power and CERT-In, incident response practices, forensic analysis, regulatory framework, Critical Information Infrastructure followed by cybersecurity quizzes, and, aimed at empowering professionals with practical knowledge and tools. Technical presentations by experts from CSIRT-Power, CERT-In, and NCIIPC provided delegates with actionable insights and advanced threat detection techniques.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, Ashish Lohiya, Dy. Director, CSIRT-Power appreciated the Ministry of Power for this noble initiative for capacity building and thanked NTPC Northern Region HQ for hosting the event. He also expressed gratitude to the esteemed guests for gracing the event and thanked the participants for active participation.
The event concluded with a reinforced commitment from stakeholders to safeguard India’s energy assets from cyber threats.
