Cyber Vigilant SMEs: Moving SMEs Forward – Inaugural Discussion Highlights

India’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly recognized not just as drivers of exports and employment, but as critical nodes in global supply chains. In today’s digital-first economy, their ability to remain cyber-resilient is as important as their product quality or cost competitiveness. Acknowledging this imperative, SME Communities hosted the inaugural session of Cyber Vigilant SMEs: Moving SMEs Forward in Chennai on August 20, bringing together government leaders, cyber law enforcers, and policy experts to address one of the most urgent risks facing the SME sector, cybersecurity.

Mr. Unnikrishnan K, Joint Director General, FIEO, emphasized that trust has become a defining currency in global trade. “Export competitiveness is not just about price and quality; it is about trust. Global buyers today evaluate supply chain resilience, including cyber hygiene, before signing contracts. SMEs that ignore this reality risk exclusion from global trade,” he warned, urging SMEs to place cyber preparedness at the heart of their business strategies.

Highlighting the vulnerabilities in cross-border systems, Mr. Vignesh, IRS, Additional Commissioner of Customs, pointed out that “trade systems are only as secure as their weakest link.” He stressed that customs authorities and SMEs must collaborate more closely to ensure cyber lapses do not compromise India’s export gateways, underscoring that cyber vigilance is a shared responsibility.

Speaking on the state’s role, Dr. Alby John Varghese, IAS, CEO of the Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency, showcased how Tamil Nadu’s digital transformation journey integrates both growth and protection. “Secure digital adoption is key for SMEs. Tamil Nadu’s e-Governance push shows that technology and security can go hand in hand, enabling inclusive growth while protecting sensitive data,” he noted.

From a law enforcement perspective, Dr. Sandeep Mittal, IPS, Additional Director General of Police – Cyber Crime Wing, Tamil Nadu Police, reminded participants that while cyber law enforcement is evolving, proactive prevention is far more effective than prosecution. “Partnerships between SMEs and police are essential to build a cyber-resilient business ecosystem,” he said, urging early collaboration.

The inaugural session left a clear message: cybersecurity is no longer a technical afterthought but a strategic pillar for SME growth. By bringing together leaders from trade, governance, customs, and policing, Cyber Vigilant SMEs has sparked a critical dialogue on safeguarding India’s export competitiveness in an age of digital risks.