Telangana, Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Annual Cyber security Knowledge Summit, H.A.C.K. 2.0, concluded successfully, attracting key figures from government, industry, and law enforcement. The Theme is From Awareness to Action: Shaping a Secure Digital Future and was held in The Park, Somajiguda in Hyderabad. Organized by the Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC), the summit spotlighted critical cyber security challenges and emphasized the role of digital citizens in fostering a resilient cyber environment.
Inaugural Highlights
In his opening address, Shri C. V. Anand, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, and Chairman of HCSC, stressed, “Cybersecurity is no longer solely a policing duty—it’s a shared responsibility. In our digital age, every individual, business, and government body must remain vigilant and proactive. Together, we can make Hyderabad a leading city in cybersecurity awareness and action.” Reflecting the theme, “From Awareness to Action: Shaping a Secure Digital Future,” the summit aimed to boost cybersecurity knowledge and inspire proactive defense against digital threats.
Chief Guest
Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Minister for Information Technology, Telangana, praised HCSC’s initiatives, stating, “Telangana is committed to strengthening digital security through comprehensive policies and public programs. Events like H.A.C.K. 2.0 play a vital role in mobilizing action and fostering a cybersecurity culture.”
Keynote Address: A Call for Proactive Measures
Shri Brijesh Singh, IPS, Additional DGP of Maharashtra, noted, “With cyber threats constantly evolving, our strategies must also evolve. Anticipation, adaptation, and urgent action through collaboration across law enforcement, the private sector, and citizens are essential to safeguard our digital future.” Shri C. Shekar Reddy, HCSC Secretary General, highlighted HCSC’s role in building public-private cybersecurity partnerships. “HCSC is committed to both addressing cyber threats and empowering citizens and businesses. We encourage all individuals and organizations to join us in establishing Hyderabad as a model for digital security and resilience.”
Presentation on Cyber Threat Landscape in Telangana
Smt. Shikha Goel, IPS, DGP CID Telangana and Director of the TG Cyber Security Bureau, shared insights into the cyber threat landscape across Telangana. Her presentation included recent investigative successes and emphasized the need for greater collaboration among citizens, industry, and law enforcement to address growing cyber threats.
Panel Discussions and Key Takeaways
The summit featured three influential panel discussions covering essential topics:
Cyber Threats Landscape in India – Trends, Strategies, and Evolving Legal Framework: Moderated by Shri Krishna Sastry Pendyala from EY, this panel addressed current cyber threat trends, regulatory frameworks, and strategic responses. Panelists included Smt. Shikha Goel, IPS; Shri Eswara Sai Prasad Chunduru from IBM; Professor Srikrishna Deva from NALSAR University; and Shri Chinmoy Kumar from the RBI.
AI and Cybersecurity: A Two-Way Street – Defense Strategies, Forensics, and Emerging Threats: Led by Shri Sridhar Sidhu from AT&T, this discussion explored AI’s dual role in cybersecurity, covering both defensive applications and its potential for misuse. Panelists included Dr. Ganesh Ghalme from IIT, Shri Bala Prasad Peddigiri from TCS, Shri Praveen Kumar Tangela from Alliant Talent, and Professor Ponnurangam Kumaraguru (PK) from IIIT Hyderabad.
The Evolving Role of Digital Citizens and Businesses: Building Resilience against Cyber Threats in a Borderless World: Moderated by Shri Santosh Kaveti, CEO of ProArch, this panel focused on cyber literacy and resilience among digital citizens and small businesses. Dr. Prasad Patibandla of CRCIDF and Smt. Kavitha Dara, DCP of Cyber Crimes, Hyderabad, discussed strategies to empower communities against cyber threats.
Interactive Engagements and “I AM READY” Campaign Launch
A live demonstration by Shri Manish Yadav showcased advanced cybersecurity tools and techniques, while a street play addressed daily cybersecurity challenges with practical solutions. A highlight of the event was the Fireside Chat with Shri Bharani Kumar Aroll of HCSC and actor Adivi Sesh, during which the “I AM READY” campaign was launched. This campaign encourages citizens to pledge commitment to digital safety. Attendees who took the pledge received digital badges, representing their commitment to fostering a safer online environment.
Short films promoting cybersecurity awareness were also launched, and the street play creatively engaged attendees on the importance of everyday cyber vigilance.
Closing Ceremony
The summit concluded with a closing ceremony honoring the contributions of all partners, speakers, and attendees. In his closing remarks, Shri Santosh Kaveti, Joint Secretary of Cyber Forum, HCSC, called for sustained collaboration and vigilance toward a secure digital future. Over 500 participants, including business leaders, educators, government representatives, law enforcement officials, and cybersecurity experts, gathered at the H.A.C.K. 2.0 Summit to discuss and reinforce Hyderabad’s digital resilience.
About HCSC
The Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC) is a public-private partnership focused on promoting cybersecurity awareness, education, and proactive action across Hyderabad. Through initiatives like H.A.C.K. 2.0, HCSC demonstrates its commitment to creating a robust digital environment by uniting government, industry, and citizens with a shared vision for cybersecurity. Together, we are working to build a secure digital future for Hyderabad.
Our Citizen Reporter – Telangana
Mr. Bharath Reddy
