Union Budget 2024: This Budget is important for building a safe and seamless digital future, says Ritesh Chopra, India Director, Norton

The Interim Union Budget 2024 has garnered attention for its approach to cybersecurity and digital transformation at a time when technology is rapidly permeating every aspect of our life. The government's approach towards cybersecurity outlines strategic investments in frameworks, fostering collaboration between its agencies and private entities to ensure a robust defense against cyber attacks. A proactive view would underscores India's recognition of the critical role cybersecurity plays in securing the nation's digital future. 

From the standpoint of the average consumer, this budget is important for building a safe and seamless digital future in addition to economic reforms, says Ritesh Chopra, India Director of Norton. While evaluating the Interim Union Budget 2024's approach, he says that end user will be most interested in the budget's pledge to safeguard vital digital ecosystem. "We have witnessed a significant rise in the dependency of consumers on online services, banking, and communication platforms has raised awareness of the necessity of strong cybersecurity protocols. Customers who wish to navigate the digital world with confidence, knowing that their sensitive information is secure from cyber threats, are met by the budget's allocations for strengthening the resilience of vital systems and protecting data centers," he says.

He opines that customers who actively use these advances are drawn to the budget's emphasis on cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. This comes at a time when concerns regarding security have risen as more people use smart gadgets and AI-powered services. 

Talking about how end-users perceive the Government's approach to cyber security, he says, "Customers are reassured that the government is proactively addressing potential vulnerabilities by the budget's commitment to cybersecurity research and development, especially in the context of developing technologies. This provides an extra layer of protection as they enjoy the advantages of the digital age."

The India Director of Norton says customers must find it particularly heartening that the budget places a strong emphasis on cybersecurity capacity creation. He feels the necessity of cybersecurity awareness and digital literacy is becoming more widely acknowledged as people become more connected online. And states that the budget's allotment for educational and training programs corresponds with the consumers' aspirations for a society that is better educated and aware of the internet. 

With an eye on cyber threats, and the pressing need to proactively provision for security in the budget, he says, "One step toward establishing a safer digital environment for all citizens is equipping people with the information they need to defend themselves online. Furthermore, the budget's acknowledgement of global cybersecurity cooperation is consistent with the globalized character of the digital realm. Customers are aware that cyber risks transcend national boundaries, and that teamwork is crucial. The provisions for collaboration with foreign countries and organizations demonstrate a recognition of the importance of maintaining a united front on a global scale in the face of cyber threats. This global viewpoint is in line with what consumers want, which is a safe online environment that is available not only domestically but also internationally."

Talking about his expectations from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budget speech, he says that when considering cybersecurity and digital transformation through the lens of the customer, the Interim Union Budget 2024 should empower the consumer to feel secure in the digital world. "Customers may feel secure knowing that the budget is supporting efforts to strengthen vital policies, safely adopt emerging technologies, raise consumer knowledge of cybersecurity, and participate in global partnerships as they traverse the digital ecosystem. In the end, the customer's viewpoint supports the notion that a digital future ought to be inventive, but also based on security, empowerment, and trust for each person interacting with the digital world," he sums up saying.