Cyber Vigilant SMEs: From Vulnerability to Resilience in India’s Digital Economy

India’s 6.3 crore small and medium enterprises are vital to the economy, contributing significantly to GDP and exports. Yet, as they digitize, cyber threats have become a critical challenge.

At the Cyber Vigilant SMEs: Stay Secured. Stay Ahead panel in Chennai, moderated by Prashant Laxmeshwar, leaders from cybersecurity, industry, and finance shared practical insights on building resilience. Mr. C.K. Mohan highlighted the growing awareness among SMEs, while Dr. N. Subramunyan emphasized the need for robust digital practices. Mr. Gowdhaman spoke about data analytics and threat monitoring, and Mr. Megavannan Lakshmipathy discussed financial strategies to mitigate cyber risks.

The discussion underscored that SMEs are often targeted due to limited resources and awareness. Experts stressed that cybersecurity is not optional, it’s a core business necessity. SMEs must adopt measures like multi-factor authentication, secure backups, business continuity plans, and employee training. Leadership engagement is critical, as cyber readiness is a collective responsibility, not just an IT concern.

The panel also highlighted the role of cyber insurance as a complement to strong digital practices. Coverage ensures SMEs can recover from incidents without crippling losses, while promoting disciplined cybersecurity standards.

Ultimately, the session reinforced a clear message: proactive vigilance, strategic planning, and awareness are essential for SMEs to thrive in a digital economy. By embedding these practices, India’s SMEs can transform from vulnerable targets into resilient engines driving growth and competitiveness.

The Cyber Vigilant SMEs initiative aims to mainstream this message, creating a culture where cybersecurity is integral to business continuity, growth and trust.