Ex-NSA urges govt to be better prepared against new security threats

A three-day conference to discuss a wide range of security issues from protecting borders to defending against cyberattacks inaugurated in the city- has called for a review of national security.

Former National Security Advisor (NSA) M K Narayanan, who spoke at the inaugural session, noted that the age of disruption requires governments and people to take a fresh look at their capabilities.

"Challenges in the age of disruption prompts us to be prepared for everything," Narayanan said. "Security, when considered with all its facets, is a much neglected aspect."

Titled 'Security 360', Synergia Conclave 2017 assembles strategic thinkers and industries to rethink national security.

The conference hosts about 20 panel discussions to discuss aspects like cybersecurity, intelligence, strategic alliance in the emerging world, Europe after Brexit, understanding China as well as warfare.

Founder of Synergia Foundation Tobby Simon spoke on the recent changes in the digital world that security organizations and professionals should take note.

"The average shelf life of a company has come down to 10 years at a time when an individual's life expectancy has gone up to 69 years. We need to think whether security means protecting the existing companies or anticipating things like the pressure of automation on jobs," he said.

Chief Secretary Subhash Chandra Khuntia and Principal Secretary to IT, BT and Science and Technology Gaurav Gupta talked about the challenges posed by artificial intelligence.

"The government has understood that a threat posed to a company is also threat to its economy. There is a need to overcome the vulnerability," they added.