Last Updated on by ICT Byte
Information Security Response Team (npCERT) Nepal has elected a new leadership team during its 10th Annual General Meeting held recently. The meeting, which took place on Saturday, marked the beginning of a new era for the organization, with Dr. Rajib Subba, an assistant professor and IT expert at Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology, elected as the new Chairman.
npCERT Nepal Executive Comittee – 2081
- Dr. Rajib Subba – Chairman
- Prof. Dr. Sudan Jha – Vice President
- Tulsiram Shrestha – Vice President
- Suman Kumar Sharma – Vice President
- Dr. Suman Thapaliya – General Secretary
- Krishna Prasad Pandey – Secretary
- Prabin Khadka – Treasurer
Executive Members:
8. Regina Dangi
9. Ruchi Pandey
10. Sudip Ghimire
11. Diksha Raut
12. Santosh Shrestha
13. Ramkrishna Dahal
The newly formed 13-member executive committee includes Prof. Dr. Sudan Jha, Engineer Tulsiram Shrestha, and Suman Kumar Sharma as Vice Presidents, while Dr. Suman Thapaliya has been appointed as the General Secretary. Krishna Prasad Pandey will serve as Secretary, and Prabin Khadka as Treasurer. The executive members also include Regina Dangi, Engineer Ruchi Pandey, Sudip Ghimire, Diksha Raut, Engineer Santosh Shrestha, and Ramkrishna Dahal.
During the meeting, the annual financial report presented by the General Secretary and the audit report from the Treasurer were discussed and approved. Participants emphasized the need to enhance npCERT’s branding, focus on data security, and strengthen its role in addressing Nepal’s growing cybersecurity challenges.
Outgoing President Chiranjibi Adhikari extended his best wishes to the new committee, expressing confidence that npCERT would continue to play a pivotal role in safeguarding Nepal’s digital landscape. He highlighted the importance of the organization’s renewed focus on addressing cyber risks and contributing to national cybersecurity efforts.
Dr. Rajib Subba, who previously served as an advisor to npCERT, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. With nearly 30 years of expertise in ICT, disaster management, and cybersecurity, Dr. Subba is well-equipped to lead the organization. A former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Nepal Police, he has collaborated with various United Nations agencies and international universities. He holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Information Sciences from the University of Hawaii, USA, and has been instrumental in assisting the Government of Nepal in formulating policies on IT, cybersecurity, and disaster management.
Under Dr. Subba’s leadership, npCERT has outlined an ambitious three-year plan aimed at elevating the organization to new heights. Key priorities include raising cybersecurity awareness, fostering technological development, formulating policies, and strengthening international collaboration. Some of the planned initiatives include:
- Organizing cybersecurity conferences with international experts.
- Conducting nationwide and international awareness programs.
- Providing cybersecurity training and capacity-building workshops.
- Recognizing individuals and organizations contributing to cybersecurity.
- Establishing a think tank group to address emerging cyber threats.
- Collaborating with international organizations and experts.
- Assisting the government in policy-making and implementation.
- Setting up a digital forensic lab and security operations center.
Dr. Subba emphasized the urgency of addressing cybersecurity in today’s digital age. “Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. With cybercrime on the rise in Nepal, we must take proactive measures to curb these threats. Our goal is to raise public awareness and position Nepal as a secure digital nation,” he said.
The newly elected executive members of npCERT are no strangers to the field of cybersecurity. Each member brings a wealth of experience and has been actively contributing to the promotion of cybersecurity in Nepal through their work in various institutions.
About npCERT
Established in 2016, npCERT is a leading cybersecurity organization dedicated to promoting information security in Nepal. It serves as the primary point of contact for reporting cybersecurity incidents in the country. npCERT works closely with organizations, the computing community, and government agencies to prevent, identify, and recover from security incidents. The organization also plays a crucial role in raising awareness about emerging cybersecurity threats.
npCERT collaborates with the Government of Nepal, the CAN Federation, internet and telecom service providers, Nepal Police, and the private IT sector to enhance the security of Nepal’s digital infrastructure. Through its initiatives, npCERT aims to create a safer digital environment for individuals, businesses, and the nation as a whole.
As npCERT embarks on this new chapter under Dr. Rajib Subba’s leadership, the organization is poised to make significant strides in strengthening Nepal’s cybersecurity framework. With a clear vision and a dedicated team, npCERT is committed to building a secure and resilient digital future for the country.
