DSCI and Rockwell Automation launch OT cybersecurity lab

The Data Security Council of India (DSCI) has inaugurated an Operational Technology (OT) Cyber Security Lab at its premises on the Nasscom campus in Noida, in collaboration with Rockwell Automation. The facility is aimed at addressing cybersecurity risks in industrial and infrastructure systems as digital technologies become more embedded in operational environments.

The lab was inaugurated in the presence of senior leaders from the energy, defence, industrial automation, and cybersecurity sectors. Participants included representatives from NTPC, DRDO, Rockwell Automation, and DSCI, reflecting the growing intersection of cybersecurity with critical infrastructure and industrial operations.

The OT Cyber Security Lab is designed to support research, testing, and validation of cybersecurity controls specific to operational technology systems. These systems, which include industrial control systems and connected manufacturing platforms, differ from traditional IT environments and face distinct security challenges due to their legacy components, real-time requirements, and increasing connectivity.

As industries adopt digital automation, cloud platforms, and remote operations, the convergence of IT and OT has expanded the attack surface for cyber threats. The new lab seeks to provide a controlled environment where enterprises, startups, and security professionals can simulate real-world OT scenarios, assess vulnerabilities, and evaluate mitigation strategies without disrupting live operations.

According to DSCI, the facility will also be used for skill development and training, offering hands-on exposure to OT architectures, security tools, and incident scenarios relevant to sectors such as power, manufacturing, and supply chains. Startups will be able to test solutions against practical use cases, while enterprises can use the lab to validate security measures before deployment.

Vinayak Godse, CEO, DSCI, said: “The augmentation of OT Cyber Security Lab reinforces our focus on securing operational technology environments that underpin critical infrastructure and smart manufacturing. By providing a controlled environment for experimentation and learning, the facility will help address complex security challenges and enhance national preparedness against cyber threats.”

“Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and it requires the commitment of companies, industry bodies, and the wider ecosystem to build truly secure and resilient operational environments. This facility advances rigorous testing and training so organisations can better anticipate threats and reduce risk across industries,” said, Dilip Sawhney, Managing Director, Rockwell Automation India