Stakeholders call for a comprehensive National Cybersecurity Policy

 

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 16 : With an aim to help strengthen Nepal's digital infrastructure, the Information Security Response Team Nepal (npCert), in collaboration with the Center for Cyber Security Research and Innovation (CSR) and Texas College of Management and IT, organized a stakeholder consultation on the National Cybersecurity Policy 2080.
 

During the consultation, Chiranjibi Adhikari, President of npCert, emphasized the pressing need for a comprehensive National Cybersecurity Policy. Adhikari underscored the importance of fortifying Nepal's digital infrastructure to safeguard against rising cyber threats, highlighting the necessity of a strong policy framework to protect the nation’s digital assets and ensure long-term resilience.

Dr. Rajib Subba, a former DIG, focused on the critical role of cybersecurity education in Nepal. He advocated for enhancing educational programs with a focus on practical skill development to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. According to Dr. Subba, a reevaluation of current educational structures is needed to better equip students with the expertise required to combat evolving cyber threats.

Ganesh Ghimire, a FinTech expert, provided an in-depth analysis of the prospects and challenges of cross-border transactions in Nepal. He highlighted the vulnerabilities in international financial dealings and called for strengthened security measures to protect these transactions.​​​​​​​

Resham Bhandari, representing InfoDevelopers, stressed the importance of cyber literacy at the grassroots level. He argued that raising awareness and understanding of cyber threats among the general population is essential for creating a secure digital environment. Bhandari's focus on community-level education initiatives reflects a broader strategy to enhance national cybersecurity from the ground up.

Sharad Chandra Pyakurel highlighted the slow pace of policy implementation despite the industry-friendly nature of existing regulations. He pointed out the gap between policy formulation and execution, suggesting that bridging this gap is necessary to achieve meaningful progress in cybersecurity.

Birendra Singh Dhami contributed insights through case studies of cybercrime incidents in Nepal, emphasizing the need for more effective law enforcement and legal frameworks to combat the rising tide of cyber offences in the country.

Dr. Suman Thapaliya, Head of the IT Department, underscored the importance of involving all relevant stakeholders in the development of cybersecurity policy. He argued that a collaborative approach is essential for creating a comprehensive and effective framework that addresses the complex challenges of cybersecurity

Dhurba Raj Sharma (Sudip), General Secretary of npCert, elaborated on the critical role of cybersecurity education and effective incident handling. He emphasized that enhancing cybersecurity awareness and training at all levels is essential to prepare individuals and organizations to respond swiftly and effectively to cyber threats.