Cybersecurity Challenges and Strategies Insights from Key Experts at npCert Stakeholder Consultation:

As a major step toward strengthening Nepal's cybersecurity fabric, the Information Security Response Team of Nepal – npCert in collaboration with Center for Cyber Security Research and Innovation (CSR), Texas International College of Management & IT organized a stakeholder consultation to contribute towards shaping up National Cybersecurity Policy 2080. This race brought all experts on one table to share their thoughts and come up with a more concrete security policy, which ensures that the needs from everywhere are addressed.

The discussion started with a note from Chiranjibi Adhikari, President npCert showing immediate necessity of well defined National Cybersecurity Policy. He also pointed out the need of securing Nepal's digital infrastructure against increasing cyber-threats, and underlined that a robust policy will protect nation’s digital resources as well as prepare for future assault.

During an educational program, former assistant Inspector General (DIG), Dr. Rajib Subba highlighted the importance of education in cyber security. He advocated for enhancing educational programs with a focus on practical skill development to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. He urged a renewal of current educational courses to concentrate on practical skills, so that new graduates are correspondingly prepared for the rapidly changing terrain of cyber vulnerabilities.

Ganesh Ghimire, FinTech expert Talked about Risks Involved with Cross-Border Transactions in Nepal. He highlighted the weaknesses of the prevailing system and supported for great security controls to safe global monetary dealings, emphasizing that causes both regulatory as well since technological advancements are required.

Promoting Cyber Literacy and Addressing Policy Gaps:

Resham Bhandari (InfoDevelopers): He represents the Cyber Literacy at The Grass-root Level. He said more public awareness and understanding of the cyber threats is crucial to securing a safe digital space. Bhandari's vision emphasized the need for community propelled education as a basis of National Cyber Security.

Sharad Chandra Pyakurel talks about the Legacy of Cybersecurity Policies. Sharad Chandra Pyakurel highlighted how difficult it is to enforce such policies and emphasized on nowadays. Considerable disparity exists between what policy mandates against (policy prescription) and ensuring that those prescriptions are executed as required by raising awareness at one hand implement through executive order given behavior change. He said it is at bridging this gap that the largest stride would be made to safeguarding Nepal's digital borders.

Using real life examples of cybercrime in Nepal, Birendra Singh Dhami called for strong law enforcement and legal frameworks to counter the digital offences.

Collaboration and Education as Pillars of Cybersecurity

Dr. Suman Thapaliya, Head of the IT Department reiterated that policy should not be mulled in isolation but discussed and developed collaboratively for an effective cybersecurity strategy. If you want an all of government piece of policy, and to deal with really end-to-end cyber related issues including from industry and academic perspectives. Thapaliya believes the policy will be more robust and adaptable to evolving digital threats.

According to General Secretary of npCert, Dhurba Raj Sharma (Sudip), there is a necessity for education in cybersecurity and responding swiftly with incident response strategies. He described the need for readiness in terms of people and companies needing to know how to respond quickly, as well as a framework that would ensure any cyber-attack is handled properly.

npCert Role in its Mission to Strengthen Nepal's Cybersecurity

npCert is committed to strengthening cybersecurity in Nepal by spreading awareness, conducting research and disseminating critical information across a wide range of organizations. As the organization moves forward, advocating for improved policies and programs in Nepal as well as increased education efforts that make digital safety everyone's business, the country can look towards a more secure and robust online future.