A new certification program designed to bolster the security of artificial intelligence (AI) systems has been launched by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and cybersecurity company SISA. The Certified Security Professional for Artificial Intelligence (CSPAI) certification, accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), aims to equip professionals with the skills required to secure AI applications, reflecting a growing focus on AI-related security concerns within the broader field of cybersecurity, said a statement.
The CSPAI certification is the first of its kind to receive ANAB accreditation in the space of AI security, positioning it as a significant development in India’s cybersecurity infrastructure. The collaboration between CERT-In of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and SISA, a private cybersecurity firm, marks a notable public-private partnership aimed at addressing the increasing risks associated with AI in business and technology.
At the launch event in Bengaluru, CERT-In Director General Dr. Sanjay Bahl highlighted the program’s relevance to the evolving cybersecurity landscape. “This incisive and timely CSPAI program by SISA empowers professionals with comprehensive expertise to gain understanding of AI systems and to be proactive against the new spectrum of threats,” said Dr. Bahl. He further noted that the program, by blending critical elements of AI security, would not only prepare professionals for current challenges but also unlock future opportunities in emerging AI-related job roles.
The CSPAI program’s development comes at a time when organisations across industries are increasingly integrating AI into their operations. As these systems become more prevalent, concerns about their security have also risen. AI-driven platforms are now a critical component of various sectors, from healthcare to financial services, and the need for robust security measures to safeguard sensitive data and operational integrity is essential.
SISA’s Founder and CEO, Dharshan Shanthamurthy said: “The launch of the CSPAI program perfectly complements our Cyber Nalanda initiative…to tackle future cybersecurity challenges.” He underscored the importance of equipping professionals with the necessary skills to protect AI systems, which will, in turn, help organisations strengthen their overall security posture and reduce the risk of data breaches. “By equipping professionals with the tools and knowledge to safeguard AI systems, we are building a safer digital future, driven by innovation and responsibility,” he added.
SISA’s Vice President of Forensics and R&D, Renju Verghese, provided an in-depth overview of the program during the launch, detailing the security strategies that participants will learn to protect AI systems from potential threats. The presentation outlined how the CSPAI certification covers a wide array of AI security topics, designed to give professionals a comprehensive understanding of how to manage the risks associated with AI deployments.
CERT-In has long played a key role in addressing cyber threats in India. It is responsible for incident response and prevention, offering services such as a 24×7 incident response help desk and security quality management services. This partnership with SISA aligns with CERT-In’s mission to foster collaboration between public and private entities to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity capabilities, said the company.
For SISA, a company known for its forensics-driven cybersecurity solutions in the digital payments industry, the CSPAI certification is part of a broader effort to address emerging threats. The company, which operates in over 40 countries, has built a reputation for providing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions designed to prevent, detect, and respond to potential security breaches. The CSPAI program is positioned as an extension of these efforts, aimed specifically at the growing intersection of AI and cybersecurity.
