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INDUSTRY FACT FILE · DRONES, ROBOTICS & AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS
Applicable Cybersecurity Services and Codec Networks Bundles for Drones
How Codec Networks services and bundled service models help drone makers, operators, robotics firms and fleet software providers resolve their threats and meet Drone Rules, CERT-In, DPDP, buyer and export-market expectations.
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In this document 1. Our approach 2. Mapping threats to services 3. Codec Networks service catalogue for the sector 4. Codec Networks bundles for the sector 5. Sector programmes built from the bundles 6. Packages: Foundation, Assurance and Continuous Resilience 7. Regulatory requirement-to-bundle mapping 8. Threat-to-bundle coverage matrix 9. Delivery methodology and deliverables 10. Why Codec Networks 11. Annex: indicative commercial ranges |
1. Our approach
Drone and robotics businesses need security that keeps machines safe in the real world and stands up to buyers, certifiers and regulators. Codec Networks works on four principles:
- Follow the control path: every engagement traces who and what can change a drone's or robot's behaviour, from source code, signing keys and updates to links, ground apps, fleet consoles and vendor tunnels.
- Test safely and lawfully: devices, links and fleets are tested in agreed windows with safety controls, and navigation resilience is tested only with authorisation, in controlled environments, coordinated with the customer and any required regulatory permissions.
- Watch devices, fleets and the cloud together: telemetry, fleet console, cloud, OT and remote access monitoring sit in one SOC so that an unusual mission change or support session is seen in context.
- Prove it: findings mapped to the Drone Rules and certification scheme, DGCA's GNSS guidance, CERT-In's Directions and audit guidelines, IEC 62443, the DPDP Act, export-market product rules and buyer contracts.
2. Mapping threats to services
The table maps the 18 threats identified in Document 4 of this set to the Codec Networks services that help mitigate them.
|
Threat / challenge |
Applicable Codec Networks services |
Intended outcome |
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Firmware tampering and unsigned updates |
Firmware review, update signing and secure boot testing, build pipeline review |
Only trusted code runs on the fleet |
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Insecure command, control and telemetry links |
Link and RF security testing, pairing and encryption review |
Links that cannot be hijacked |
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GNSS jamming and spoofing exposure |
Authorised navigation resilience testing, sensor cross-check and fail-safe review |
Safe behaviour when position is unreliable |
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Ground control station and pilot device compromise |
Ground control app and pilot device testing, device hardening |
Clean, managed ground stations |
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Fleet management and cloud console takeover |
Fleet cloud and console review, MFA and privileged access controls, SOC alerts |
Consoles only the right people use |
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API and mobile app flaws in drone and robot platforms |
Web, mobile and API VAPT with multi-tenant isolation testing |
Each customer sees only its own data |
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Aerial imagery and survey data exposure |
Cloud storage review, data classification, DPDP programme |
Imagery kept safe and minimal |
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Component, SDK and supply chain provenance risk |
Supply chain and component provenance assessment, SBOM review |
Components and code buyers can trust |
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Robot controller and ROS middleware attacks |
Robot cell assessment, ROS and controller exposure review |
Robots that accept only authorised commands |
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Warehouse automation and AMR fleet disruption |
AMR fleet and WMS integration review, segmentation, recovery testing |
Warehouses that keep picking |
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Wireless pairing, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi setup flaws |
Wireless and Bluetooth interface testing, key management review |
No takeover from the car park |
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Vendor remote access and support tunnels |
Vendor remote access review, session recording, PAM |
Support access that is named and watched |
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Ransomware on engineering and production IT |
Ransomware readiness review, EDR and backup testing, IR retainer |
Fast recovery from encryption |
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Theft of designs, flight code and AI models |
Data loss prevention review, repository and access controls, leaver process |
Designs and models that stay home |
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Manipulation of AI perception and autonomy |
AI model and data pipeline risk review, safe fallback testing |
Autonomy that fails safe |
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Insider misuse and shared pilot or admin accounts |
Identity review, shared account removal, activity monitoring |
Every action traceable to a person |
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Integrity of registration, permission and flight records |
Record integrity and access review, evidence handling |
Records that stand up to scrutiny |
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Weak logs, monitoring and 6-hour reporting |
Log architecture review, managed SOC, IR retainer |
Provable timelines, on-time reporting |
3. Codec Networks service catalogue for the sector
|
Service line |
Sector-relevant services |
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Security Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing |
Drones and robots as complete systems, command and telemetry links, ground control stations, docks and remote operations centres, external attack surface, red teaming of fleet control paths |
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Firmware, embedded & product security |
Flight and robot controller firmware review, secure boot and update signing checks, hardware debug interface testing, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi provisioning, firmware data flow analysis |
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Application, API & mobile security |
Ground control and pilot apps, fleet management web consoles, mission, telemetry and partner APIs, customer portals, secure SDLC and OTA pipeline reviews |
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Infrastructure, cloud & zero trust |
Fleet cloud configuration, key and secrets management, identity and MFA, vendor remote access, segmentation of robot and warehouse networks |
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OT and robotics security |
Robot cell and AMR fleet assessments aligned with IEC 62443, ROS and controller exposure reviews, WMS and PLC integration reviews |
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Navigation resilience testing |
Authorised testing of GNSS-dependent behaviour in controlled environments, coordinated with the customer and any required regulatory permissions; sensor cross-check, integrity alert and fail-safe review |
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Information security audit & compliance |
CERT-In empanelled audits, CERT-In risk-based audits including OT, buyer and tender security questionnaire support |
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Supply chain & third-party risk |
Component, radio, camera and SDK suppliers, cloud and connectivity providers, integrators and support vendors, provenance and SBOM reviews |
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Data privacy & protection |
Imagery and video data discovery, blurring and minimisation, pilot and customer data, DPDP programmes and breach workflows |
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24/7 Managed SOC & incident response |
Fleet console, cloud, telemetry and remote access monitoring, OT alerts, drone, robot and fleet incident response and forensics, CERT-In reporting support |
4. Codec Networks bundles for the sector
Eleven of the twelve bundles in the Codec Networks Bundled Service Models apply directly to drone makers, drone operators, robotics firms and fleet software providers; the Global Cyber Back-Office SPV Program (Bundle 12) is offered separately for international clients.
Figure 6: Codec Networks bundles applied to the sector.
|
Bundle |
Name |
Sector-relevant scope |
Best suited for |
Key deliverables |
|
B1 |
Cyber Assessment & VAPT Assurance Program |
Drone, robot, link, ground station and fleet control path testing |
Drone makers, operators, delivery fleets, robotics firms |
Assessment reports, retests and closure tracker |
|
B2 |
Application, API & DevSecOps Security Program |
Firmware, OTA pipelines, ground apps, fleet consoles and mission APIs |
Drone makers, component makers, fleet software firms |
Test reports, fix verification, secure SDLC findings |
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B3 |
Cloud, Infrastructure & Zero Trust Security Program |
Fleet cloud, keys, identity, vendor access and network segmentation |
Fleet software, delivery and robotics firms |
Architecture review and remediation roadmap |
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B4 |
Regulatory Cybersecurity Audit & Compliance Assurance Program |
CERT-In empanelled audits, including OT and robot cells |
Makers, integrators and operators serving government and enterprise |
Audit report, gap matrix, evidence tracker |
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B5 |
GRC, ISO, SOC 2 & Cyber Maturity Program |
ISO/IEC 27001 ISMS, IEC 62443 programme and product security governance |
Makers, integrators and SaaS platforms |
Maturity scorecard, policies, ISMS documents |
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B6 |
Data Privacy, DPDPA & Data Protection Program |
Imagery, video, pilot and customer data, DPDP readiness |
Survey, inspection, delivery and service robot operators |
Privacy gap assessment, data map, roadmap |
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B7 |
Managed SOC, MDR & Continuous Threat Monitoring Program |
24x7 SOC for fleet consoles, cloud, telemetry, OT and remote access |
Fleet software, delivery fleets, robotics operators |
SOC reports, MTTD/MTTR, incident records |
|
B8 |
Digital Forensics, Incident Response & Malware RCA Program |
Drone, robot and fleet incident response, forensics and RCA |
Any organisation facing a compromise or unexplained behaviour |
Forensic report, RCA, reporting support |
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B9 |
Third-Party Risk Management & Supply Chain Cyber Risk Program |
Component, SDK, cloud and support vendor assurance, provenance reviews |
Drone makers, suppliers to government, robotics integrators |
Vendor risk register, SBOM and assessment reports |
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B10 |
Cyber Simulation, Awareness, Tabletop & Crisis Readiness Program |
Fleet compromise, interference and warehouse outage tabletop exercises |
Leadership, engineering, flight operations and site teams |
Exercise reports and playbooks |
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B11 |
Emerging Technology, AI, Web3 & Future Security Program |
Authorised navigation resilience testing, AI and autonomy risk, EU CRA readiness |
Delivery, inspection and autonomy developers, exporters |
Test report, fail-safe findings, readiness roadmap |
5. Sector programmes built from the bundles
Codec Networks packages the catalogue bundles into six drone, robotics and autonomy programmes.
|
Programme |
Built from bundles |
Challenges addressed |
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Firmware & Update Assurance |
B2, B3, B1 |
Signing keys, secure boot, OTA pipelines, debug ports |
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Fleet Platform Security |
B2, B1, B3 |
Consoles, mission APIs, tenant isolation, cloud |
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Flight Operations Resilience |
B11, B1, B10 |
Links, ground stations, authorised navigation testing, playbooks |
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Robotics & Warehouse OT Security |
B1, B3, B5 |
Robot cells, AMR fleets, ROS, vendor access, IEC 62443 |
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Trusted Supply Chain & Data |
B9, B6, B2 |
Component provenance, SBOMs, imagery and DPDP |
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Fleet SOC & Incident Response |
B7, B8, B10 |
Monitoring, six-hour reporting, forensics |
6. Packages: Foundation, Assurance and Continuous Resilience
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Package element |
Foundation |
Assurance |
Continuous Resilience |
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Typical organisation |
Drone start-ups, operators and RPTOs |
Drone makers and fleet software firms |
Large OEMs, robotics and delivery fleets |
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Testing |
B1: drone, ground app and link test |
B1 + B2: firmware, fleet API and cloud VAPT |
B1 + B2 + B11: red team of fleet and links, authorised navigation testing |
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Audit and GRC |
B5: security policy and pilot account rules |
B4 + B5: CERT-In empanelled audit, ISO 27001 |
B4 + B5 + B9: audits incl. OT, IEC 62443, supplier assurance |
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Architecture and privacy |
B3 + B6: fleet cloud quick review, imagery data check |
B3 + B6: key management and vendor access, DPDP programme |
B3 + B6 + B11: segmentation, DPDP, EU CRA readiness |
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Monitoring and response |
IR retainer (B8) |
B7: managed SOC + B8 |
B7: SOC with OT and telemetry + B8 retainer |
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Reporting |
Test report for clients and tenders |
CTO, product security and buyer reporting |
Board, certifier, buyer and export-ready reporting |
7. Regulatory requirement-to-bundle mapping
|
Requirement (source) |
How Codec Networks helps |
Bundle |
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Registration and UINs, remote pilot certificates and permissions through Digital Sky (Drone Rules 2021, as amended) |
Digital Sky account security, record integrity and access review |
B4, B5 |
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Type certificate on recommendation of a QCI-approved certification body (Certification Scheme for UAS, 2022) |
Firmware and product security testing to support certification evidence |
B1, B2 |
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GNSS interference mitigation, contingency and reporting (DGCA circular 2023; SOP 2025) |
Authorised navigation resilience testing, fail-safe review and reporting playbooks |
B11, B10 |
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Cyber incidents to CERT-In within six hours; 180-day logs in India (CERT-In Directions, 2022) |
Managed SOC, log architecture, IR retainer and reporting support |
B7, B8 |
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Risk-based independent audits including OT and ICS (CERT-In audit guidelines, 2025) |
CERT-In empanelled audit of IT, fleet platforms and robot cells |
B4 |
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Zones, conduits and security levels for automation (IEC 62443) |
Robot cell and AMR fleet assessment, segmentation design |
B5, B1 |
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Reasonable security safeguards and breach intimation (DPDP Act 2023 and Rules 2025) |
DPDP gap assessment for imagery, pilot and customer data |
B6, B8 |
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Secure design, vulnerability handling and reporting for products sold in the EU (EU CRA) |
Product security programme, SBOMs, vulnerability disclosure process |
B2, B11 |
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Auditor eligibility and independence Where a buyer, tender or CERT-In's audit guidelines call for independent or CERT-In empanelled auditors, Codec Networks—CERT-In empanelled for information security auditing services and empanelled with NICSI for application audit and compliance services (start-up category)—confirms eligibility and independence in each proposal and does not audit systems it has designed or operates. Codec Networks does not issue type certificates or airworthiness opinions, and navigation resilience testing is performed only with authorisation, in controlled environments, coordinated with the customer and any required regulatory permissions. |
8. Threat-to-bundle coverage matrix
|
Threat / challenge |
Primary bundle |
Supporting bundles |
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Firmware tampering and unsigned updates |
B2 |
B1, B3, B8 |
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Insecure command, control and telemetry links |
B1 |
B2, B11 |
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GNSS jamming and spoofing exposure |
B11 |
B1, B10 |
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Ground control station and pilot device compromise |
B1 |
B2, B7 |
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Fleet management and cloud console takeover |
B3 |
B2, B7 |
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API and mobile app flaws in drone and robot platforms |
B2 |
B1, B7 |
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Aerial imagery and survey data exposure |
B6 |
B3, B9 |
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Component, SDK and supply chain provenance risk |
B9 |
B2, B5 |
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Robot controller and ROS middleware attacks |
B1 |
B3, B5 |
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Warehouse automation and AMR fleet disruption |
B3 |
B7, B8 |
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Wireless pairing, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi setup flaws |
B1 |
B2 |
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Vendor remote access and support tunnels |
B3 |
B7, B9 |
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Ransomware on engineering and production IT |
B8 |
B3, B7 |
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Theft of designs, flight code and AI models |
B3 |
B5, B7 |
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Manipulation of AI perception and autonomy |
B11 |
B2 |
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Insider misuse and shared pilot or admin accounts |
B3 |
B7, B10 |
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Integrity of registration, permission and flight records |
B4 |
B5, B7 |
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Weak logs, monitoring and 6-hour reporting |
B7 |
B4, B8 |
“Primary” and “supporting” indicate suggested combinations, not guaranteed mitigation or complete coverage.
9. Delivery methodology and deliverables
Figure 7: The Codec Networks delivery methodology.
Typical deliverables include firmware and secure boot review reports, update signing and OTA pipeline findings, hardware interface test results, link and RF security test reports, ground control app and pilot device assessments, fleet cloud, console and mission API test reports with multi-tenant isolation results and retests, authorised navigation resilience test reports covering detection, cross-checks and fail-safe behaviour, robot cell and AMR fleet assessments with IEC 62443 zone and conduit maps, vendor remote access reviews, supply chain and component provenance reports with SBOM findings, CERT-In empanelled audit reports with gap matrices and closure trackers, ISO 27001 readiness reports, a DPDP gap assessment for imagery and pilot data, EU CRA readiness roadmaps for exporters, managed SOC reports covering fleet consoles, telemetry, cloud and OT, forensic and root cause reports with CERT-In reporting support, and exercise reports.
10. Why Codec Networks
- CERT-In empanelled for information security auditing services, and empanelled with NICSI for application audit and compliance services (start-up category).
- Certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018.
- Full stack: VAPT, regulatory audit, managed SOC, forensics, privacy and Board advisory from one partner, so findings, monitoring and closure stay connected.
- Drone, robotics and autonomy depth: firmware and update security, link and ground station testing, fleet cloud and API assessments, authorised navigation resilience testing and robot cell and AMR fleet assessments aligned with IEC 62443, combined with CERT-In empanelled audits, CERT-In's Directions, the DPDP Act and export-market product rules.
- Recognised frameworks and tools: OWASP ASVS/MASVS and API Top 10, MITRE ATT&CK, NIST CSF, ISO 27001 and PCI DSS; tools such as Burp Suite, Nessus, Metasploit, Prowler and leading SIEM/EDR platforms.
- Certified people: CEH, OSCP, CPENT, CISA, ISO 27001 LA/LI, CHFI, CTIA and ECIH professionals.
Annex: Indicative commercial ranges
For internal sales reference only—remove this annex before sharing externally. Ranges are taken from the Codec Networks Bundled Service Models and are subject to scoping, asset counts, frequency and service levels.
|
Bundle |
Package examples and indicative ranges |
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B1 VAPT Assurance |
Essential ₹1.5–5 lakh; Professional ₹5–15 lakh; Enterprise ₹15–40 lakh; Annual retainer ₹25 lakh–₹1.5 crore |
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B2 AppSec & DevSecOps |
API Quick Check ₹2–6 lakh; AppSec Professional ₹8–20 lakh; DevSecOps Maturity ₹12–35 lakh; Secure SDLC retainer ₹3–15 lakh/month |
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B3 Cloud & Zero Trust |
Cloud Essential ₹3–8 lakh; Professional ₹8–25 lakh; Enterprise ₹25–75 lakh; Continuous assurance ₹2–10 lakh/month |
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B4 Regulatory Audit |
Gap review ₹5–15 lakh; Full regulatory audit ₹15–50 lakh; Multi-framework audit ₹30 lakh–₹1.25 crore; Annual retainer ₹3–20 lakh/month |
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B5 GRC, ISO, SOC 2 |
ISO readiness ₹5–15 lakh; ISO implementation ₹15–45 lakh; SOC 2 readiness ₹15–60 lakh; GRC retainer ₹2–12 lakh/month |
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B6 Privacy & DPDPA |
Quick assessment ₹3–10 lakh; Implementation ₹10–40 lakh; DPO-as-a-Service ₹2–8 lakh/month; Privacy retainer ₹3–15 lakh/month |
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B7 Managed SOC |
Starter ₹2–5 lakh/month; Professional ₹5–15 lakh/month; Enterprise ₹15–50 lakh/month; co-managed per FTE/shift |
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B8 Forensics & IR |
Triage ₹3–15 lakh; Full investigation ₹15–75 lakh; Ransomware response ₹25 lakh–₹1.5 crore; IR retainer ₹5–50 lakh/year |
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B9 TPRM |
₹25,000–₹2 lakh per vendor; batch pricing for 50–500 vendors; retainer ₹3–25 lakh/month |
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B10 Simulation & Tabletop |
Awareness ₹1–5 lakh; Phishing simulation ₹2–10 lakh; Tabletop ₹5–20 lakh; Cyber war-game ₹15–75 lakh; Annual retainer ₹10 lakh–₹1 crore/year |
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B11 Emerging Tech |
AI/LLM risk review ₹5–25 lakh; Smart contract audit ₹5–50 lakh; Emerging tech retainer ₹5–25 lakh/month |
Talk to Codec Networks
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Contact Codec Networks Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi: 507, 5th Floor, New Delhi House, Barakhamba Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi – 110001 Gurugram: 707, 7th Floor, Silverton Tower, Golf Course Extension Road, Sector 50, Gurugram – 122018, Haryana Landline: 011 430 496 96 | 011 437 522 99 Mobile: +91 99716 76124 | +91 88007 88220 | +91 88003 31124 Email: mktg@codecnetworks.com Web: www.codecnetworks.com |
Note: Service scope, deliverables, monitoring coverage and service levels are confirmed during engagement scoping. Services support risk reduction and assurance but do not guarantee prevention of all cyber incidents or regulatory compliance. Regulatory references are summaries; confirm against the official instruments applicable to each entity.