Cyber Security Council Of India Established

This article has reported that a cyber security council of India has been constituted by Indian government. We at Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB) welcome this move of Indian government as it was a much needed initiative. 

According to the report published by my colleague, the cyber security council of India has been constituted by Indian government. This is a good step in the right direction as such an action was long due on the part of Indian government.

Although this is a modest beginning yet if Indian government is committed this can transform into a major cyber security initiative by Indian government. I am hereby sharing the report of my friend for our readers.

Cyber security of India has finally got the attention of Indian government. Indian government has been announcing many initiatives that could strengthen cyber security of India. Although these initiatives have come late yet this is a good beginning from all counts.

Now it has been reported that the Indian government has launched a new and dedicated wing of the country's National Security Council Secretariat (NSCC). The function of the proposed wing would be to deal with the growing cyber threat especially those from cyber terrorists.

Cyber terrorism against India, cyber warfare against India, cyber espionage against India, etc are on rise and this dedicated wing can be really helpful in this regard. The wing would coordinate with other existing law enforcement agencies. The objective of the wing would be to keep both public and private computer safe from cyber attack and malicious activities.

The proposed wing would work in the direction of ensuring coordination among various government departments of India so that both national and international cyber threats can be countered. Gradually the wind would be extended to make its initiatives and efforts more holistic and wide.

However, India still needs to stress upon cyber security research and development. Till now we have a sole techno legal cyber security research centre of India that is managed by Perry4Law and PTLB.

PTLB is also managing the exclusive techno legal cyber security training and educational centre of India and techno legal centre of excellence for lifelong cyber security learning in India.

Close association and coordination with expert techno legal institutions like PTLB is the need of the hour. Let us hope that Indian government would collaborate and coordinated with institutions like PTLB to make its cyber security initiatives more holistic and effective.

Source: Techno Legal News

Indian National Cyber Security Database

This post talks about the latest techno legal cyber security initiative by Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB). The initiative is known as National Cyber Security Database of India (NCSDI) and it is a unique techno legal cyber security initiative.

In a much needed development, PTLB has constituted the first ever techno legal national cyber security database of India (NCSDI). This is a significant development that can go a long way on strengthening of cyber security of India.

The NCSDI is a part and parcel of much larger and more specialised initiative of PTLB. It is part of the exclusive techno legal cyber security research centre of India (CSRCI) managed by PTLB.

The NCSDI would consist of techno legal cyber security experts of India who should be enrolled with PTLB in this regard. Those interested in enrolling with NCSDI must read the enrolment criteria for the same.

NCSDI intents to fight against cyber threats and cyber attacks in India including cyber terrorism against India, cyber warfare against India, cyber espionage against India, critical infrastructure protection in India, managing India’s cyber security problems, issues and challenges, etc.

NCSDI would also be an essential part of various cyber security initiatives and projects of Indian government and private cyber security players of India and abroad.

NCSDI is a very ambitious and much needed initiative of PTLB that deserved support and collaboration of Indian government and various cyber security stakeholders. Let us see how NCSDI and CSRDI would strengthen the cyber security environment of India.

Source: Cyber Laws In India

Indian Cyber And High Tech Crime Investigation And Training Centre

In this post we are discussing about the Cyber and Hi-Tech Crime Investigation and Training (CHCIT) Centre of India managed by Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB). This is the exclusive techno legal cyber and hi-tech crime investigation and training centre of India that is managing both technical and legal issues of cyber crimes and high tech crimes.

Techno legal issues especially cyber crimes and cyber security issues in India are complicated to manage and tackle. Countries all over the world are struggling to deal with the same. Even in India we have to cover a long road before expertise pertaining to cyber security in India and cyber forensic in India can be achieved.

Research and development plays a major role in developing cyber security capabilities. It is also crucial to develop methods to fight against cyber crimes and cyber attacks. Private initiatives like cyber security research centre of India (CSRCI), cyber forensics research and development centre of India (CFRDCI), cybercrimes investigation centre of India (CCICI), etc are crucial in this regard.

At Perry4Law and PTLB we are managing the exclusive techno legal cyber crime and high tech investigation and training centre of India. We are also managing the exclusive techno legal centre of excellence for cyber crimes investigation in India.

Further, in order to inculcate techno legal skills among police, lawyers, judges, professionals, etc we have been managing the exclusive techno legal centre of excellence for lifelong learning in India where we are providing trainings, courses and education in the fields like cyber law, cyber security, cyber forensics, etc. PTLB e-learning platform further helps in achieving this objective.

The cyber crimes investigation centre of India by PTLB aims at developing techno legal skills among cyber crime investigators on the pone hand and modernisation of police force of India on the other. We provide cyber crimes investigation trainings in India to various stakeholders.

Perry4Law and PTLB have also provided cyber crimes trends in India 2012, cyber law trends in India 2012, cyber security trends in India 2012, etc. Previous years trends have also been provided by Perry4Law and PTLB to give various stakeholders a good look of cyber environment of India. 

We have been providing ICT trends in India since 2005-06. The ICT trends in India 2009 and subsequent trends have discussed both the positive and negative aspects of Indian ICT policies and strategies.

We hope that this exclusive techno legal cyber crime investigation centre of India would prove useful to all stakeholders in India and abroad.

Source: Cyber Crime Investigation Centre Of India (CCICI)

Indian Data Security Laws

For long data security in India has been managed by independent contracts between private parties rather than a well founded regulatory framework in India. Till now we have no dedicated data security laws in India. This article is exploring the regulatory environment for data security in India.

Data is the backbone of any society that primarily relies upon information and communication technology (ICT). Protection of data is both the personal and proprietary requirement of various individuals and institutions. This is the reason why data must be secured through techno legal means.

As on date, we have no dedicated Data Privacy Laws In India and Data Protection Law In India. Even a dedicated Privacy Law Of India is missing. There is an urgent need to formulate Techno Legal Data Security Laws In India, Cyber Security Law In India, Privacy Rights And Laws In India, etc. While formulating such laws, we must keep in mind that Privacy Rights In India In The Information Age are different from the traditional privacy requirements.

Data security is closely related to cyber security expertise. Thus, Cyber Security Issues In India need better and focused attention of Indian government as Managing India’s Cyber Security Problems is a very delicate and tedious task. In these circumstances, Indian Data Protection Laws Are Urgently Needed. We cannot ignore data Protection Laws In India and privacy rights in India anymore. Similarly, Encryption Laws And Regulation In India must also be formulated as soon as possible. 

At the national policy levels as well the Indian government has to do lots of hard work. For instance, the Encryption Policy Of India Is Needed. Similarly, an implementable Cyber Security Policy Of India is also need of the hour.

Indian government has also suggested projects and initiatives like National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) Of India, Central Monitoring System (CMS) Project Of India, National Intelligence Grid (Natgrid) Project Of India, etc that would require dealing with the data and information in a constitutional manner.

Clearly data security laws of India are urgently needed. The sooner they would be formulated the better it would be for the interest of various stakeholders in general and national interest of India in particular.

Source: Cyber Security Research Centre Of India

India, Cyber Security And Security Projects

This article is discussing some of the most crucial issues pertaining to cyber security of India. It covers areas like cyber security, data protection, international cooperation, cyber security laws, data security laws, etc. Further, various projects of Indian government having a bearing at cyber security have also been discussed.

Cyber security of India is the buzzword these days. Cyber security players are discussing the issues and challenges, policy and strategy, international cooperation, strategy, problems, crisis management plan, data protection laws, data security laws, cyber security laws, encryption regulations, encryption policy, social networks and cloud computing and more similar areas pertaining to Indian cyber security.

Further, governmental projects like central monitoring system, national counter terrorism centre (NCTC), national critical information infrastructure protection centre, national cyber coordination centre, etc have further complicated the Indian cyber security equation.  

These issues cannot be resolved till we have an effective and implementable cyber security policy of India that incorporates all the abovementioned aspects. Indian government has constituted a cyber security council that is a good step in the right direction.

Cyber security of India is under transformation and private cyber security players have played a major role in the same. The cyber security research centre by PTLB is the classic example of the same.

There are many issues in this regard that have still to be managed by India.  Let us hope that India government would resolve the same with the help of techno legal expert institutions like PTLB.

Source: Cyber Laws In India

Cyber Security Council For India Formulated

It has been reported that an Indian cyber security council has been constituted. Although it is a belated move yet it is a good step in the right direction. At Perry4Law Techno Legal base (PTLB) we welcome this step of Indian government.

Cyber security cannot be managed till we have governmental will and public support. We cannot have public support till the government actually takes some concrete steps in the direction of strengthening of cyber security. One such step has been taken by Indian government.

According to the report published by my colleague, the cyber security council of India has been constituted by Indian government. This is a good step in the right direction as such an action was long due on the part of Indian government.

Although this is a modest beginning yet if Indian government is committed this can transform into a major cyber security initiative by Indian government. I am hereby sharing the report of my friend for our readers.

Cyber security of India has finally got the attention of Indian government. Indian government has been announcing many initiatives that could strengthen cyber security of India. Although these initiatives have come late yet this is a good beginning from all counts.

Now it has been reported that the Indian government has launched a new and dedicated wing of the country's National Security Council Secretariat (NSCC). The function of the proposed wing would be to deal with the growing cyber threat especially those from cyber terrorists.

Cyber terrorism against India, cyber warfare against India, cyber espionage against India, etc are on rise and this dedicated wing can be really helpful in this regard. The wing would coordinate with other existing law enforcement agencies. The objective of the wing would be to keep both public and private computer safe from cyber attack and malicious activities.

The proposed wing would work in the direction of ensuring coordination among various government departments of India so that both national and international cyber threats can be countered. Gradually the wind would be extended to make its initiatives and efforts more holistic and wide.

However, India still needs to stress upon cyber security research and development. Till now we have a sole techno legal cyber security research centre of India that is managed by Perry4Law and PTLB.

PTLB is also managing the exclusive techno legal cyber security training and educational centre of India and techno legal centre of excellence for lifelong cyber security learning in India.

Close association and coordination with expert techno legal institutions like PTLB is the need of the hour. Let us hope that Indian government would collaborate and coordinated with institutions like PTLB to make its cyber security initiatives more holistic and effective.

Source: Cyber Laws In India

National Cyber Security Database Of India (NCSDI)

Cyber security field requires dedicated and collaborative efforts on the part of various stakeholders. Cyber security in India also requires such collaborative efforts where public private partnership (PPP) can be really handy.

Cyber security issues in India are too much and too complicated to be managed by a single organisation or individual. At Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB) we believe that cyber security is a techno legal field that requires techno legal expertise. We also believe that we must develop both offensive and defensive cyber security capabilities in India.

In other words, cyber security skills and capabilities development in India must be ensured as soon as possible. PTLB E-Learning Platform has been working in this direction for long. We must also ensure lifelong cyber security capabilities in India.

In order to make our cyber security efforts more robust, effective and holistic, PTLB has launched the first ever techno legal national cyber security database of India (NCSDI). Those interested in enrolling with NCSDI must read the enrolment criteria for the same.

Managing India’s cyber security problems, issues and challenges is not an easy task. Without good collaboration and concrete steps in this direction, cyber security issues and problems in India cannot be resolved.

Keeping these cyber security mandates in mind, PTLB has been operating the exclusive techno legal cyber security research centre of India (CSRCI) and NCSDI is an integral part of the same. We hope the cyber security projects and initiatives of PTLB would prove useful to all concerned. 

Cyber Security Research Centre Of India

We have consolidated our cyber security initiatives and cyber security research centre of India is an important part of the same. Our techno legal initiatives are unique in the sense that we manage both technical and legal aspects of cyber security.

We are hereby posting a media report about our initiative with prior approval. Hope our clients and various cyber security stakeholders would find this report useful.

Cyber crimes and cyber threats have changed the entire cyber security scenario. Previously firewalls and anti viruses were the notion of cyber security. Now cyber security responsibilities have become too tedious to be managed by a single person or institution.

Cyber security research and development is very crucial to strengthen cyber security of any institution and nation. Cyber security is a constant procedure thus we need to learn, adapt and improvise our cyber security initiatives and efforts on regular basis.

The need for cyber security research centre of India was imminent. Thanks to the efforts of private players, Indian cyber security research centre is no more a fiction. The exclusive techno legal cyber security research centre of India has already been functioning in India for long.

The present cyber security environment of India needs effective skills development to deal with growing cyber threats against India. There are numerous vexing cyber security issues in India that requires attention at the highest level. Further, cyber security laws in India and cyber security policy of India must also be formulated.

Cyber security issues and problems of India require techno legal solutions as neither technical nor legal solution in itself is sufficient. Further, participation of private players is also needed to strengthen cyber security of India as managing India’s cyber security problems, issues and challenges cannot be left for the Indian government alone to tackle.

A special attention must be given to critical infrastructure protection of India. Recently Indian government proposed establishment of national critical information infrastructure protection centre (NCIPC) of India that can help in protecting critical infrastructure of India.

In these circumstances the initiatives and efforts of Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB) are really praiseworthy. PTLB has established the exclusive techno legal cyber security research and development centre of India. This cyber security centre is the first of its kind in India and world wide.

The cyber security centre is a good blend of legal and technical capabilities of PTLB that makes it unique and very effective. Through its skills development and training initiatives, it would ensure offensive and defensive cyber security capabilities for India and other nations. Let us hope that this cyber security centre of PTLB would be an integral part of all cyber security initiatives of Indian government.

Source: Cyber Laws In India

Cyber Security Laws In India

Cyber security, cyber forensics, etc are fields that require techno legal expertise to manage. The growing cyber security issues in India and demand for cyber forensics in India has increased the demand for techno legal skills development in India.

At Perry4Law and Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB) we have been ensuring legal enablement of ICT systems in India for long. We are also managing exclusive techno legal centre of excellence for cyber crimes investigation in India, techno legal centre of excellence for cyber forensics in India, cyber security research centre of India, etc.  In this work we are discussing the cyber security laws of India.

The debate between self regulatory environment and a regulatory environment has always been a part of technology related laws. Some believe that issues like cyber law, cyber security, cyber forensics, etc must be regulated by the government whereas others believe that they should be left to individuals and organisations as self regulatory mechanisms.

In this present fragile and dangerous cyberspace it would not be advisable to leave everything upon self regulation mechanism. Issues like cyber law, cyber security, cyber forensics, etc deserve to be regulated at national and international level.

We have no legal framework or laws for cyber security in India. Of course, a few provisions have been incorporated in this regard in the information technology act, 2000 of India that is the sole cyber law of India. However, we need express and dedicated cyber security legislation in India as soon as possible.

Even the cyber law of India needs to be upgraded and strengthened. We need stringent provisions against cyber criminals and not the soft provisions that are presently incorporated in the Indian cyber law. By making the offences and cyber crimes “bailable” India has made its cyberspace a “free zone” and “safe heaven” for cyber criminals and cyber offenders.

It seems the problems of Indian cyber security are multi facet in nature. We do not have sufficient laws, we lack proper strategies and policies, and we do not care much about cyber security.

To start with we must formulate a pro active cyber security policy of India. Then we must proceed towards strengthening our existing cyber law and enacting an effective cyber security law of India. The sooner we consider these issues the better it would be for the cyber security of India.

Techno Legal Initiatives Of Perry4Law And PTLB

Techno legal issues pose special challenges before all nations. This is so because these issues are complex combination of both technical and legal issues. At Perry4Law and Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB) we have been spearheading many world renowned techno legal initiatives.

For instance, Perry4Law and PTLB are managing the exclusive techno legal centre of excellence for cyber forensics in India, centre of excellence on cyber security in India, virtual legal education campus in India and techno legal e-learning centre of PTLB, lifelong techno legal education in India, legal enablement of ICT systems in India, etc.

Similarly, on the education, trainings and skills development front as well Perry4Law and PTLB have been managing many initiatives. For instance, the exclusive techno legal e-learning in India is managed by PTLB whereas highly specialised and domain specific trainings and education is managed by Perry4Law techno Legal ICT Training Centre (PTLITC).  

Perry4Law and PTLB are also managing the exclusive techno legal e-courts consultancy and training centre of India, online dispute resolution services in India, e-discovery services in India, e-commerce services in India, cyber forensics services in India, cyber security services in India, LPO and KPO services in India, etc.

We are also discussing important issues pertaining to international ICT policies and strategies. Similarly, techno legal issues are specifically discussed at PTLB blog. We hope these initiatives would prove useful to all stakeholders.

Source: ICTPS Blog

Cyber Security Issues And Challenges In India

Cyber Security in India is one area that has to be given top priority by Indian government. The Cyber Security reflections in India prove this point. There are many policy related issues that Indian government must urgently take care of.

For instance, Cyber Warfare Against India and its Defenses, Critical Infrastructure Protection in India, Cyber Terrorism Against India and its Defences and Solutions, Cyber Espionage Against India And Its Challenges, Solutions And Defences, etc must be urgently considered by Indian government. 

A special focus upon Cyber Security for Power Energy and Utilities in India must be given. Power Grids Cyber Security in India and its Challenges has emerged as special area of concern and India is clearly not in a position to defend its power infrastructure.

There are numerous Cyber Security Challenges in India that are still unredressed. Further, India's Cyber Security Challenges are unique to Indian conditions and they require local treatment and solutions. Cyber Security Issues in India require a dedicated effort on the part of Indian stakeholders. Even the Cyber Security Firms, Companies and Consultants in India Must be Pro Active.

Cyber Security in India and its challenges and Problems require urgent attention of Indian government. We have already wasted enough time in this regard and it is high time for India to do some actual groundwork as conducting of conferences and seminars would not bring any favourable change towards establishment of cyber security capabilities of India.

Cyber Security Challenges In India

Cyber security issues in India have added a new variety of challenges for India. Till now cyber security in India and its challenges and problems are well known and India has also realised that urgent attention in this direction is needed. For instance, the cyber security challenges for the smart grids in India were realised during the recent power outrage in India.

This is just the beginning of the cyber security journey of India. Critical infrastructure protection in India is not undertaken in the manner required. Even we have no critical ICT infrastructure protection policy of India  that can provide norms and best practices for critical infrastructure protection in India.

On top of it, stealth and sophisticated malware like Stuxnet, Flame, Shamoon and Duqu have already proved that critical infrastructures around the world like power grids, nuclear facilities, satellites, defense networks, governmental informatics infrastructures, etc are vulnerable to both known and unknown cyber attacks.

There are many concepts that were not even acknowledged by India a few years back. For instance, concepts like cyber warfare against India and its defenses, cyber terrorism against India and its defences and solutions, cyber security in India and its challenges and problems, cyber espionage against India and its challenges, solutions and defences, etc were never considered to be a threat by India.

Now it is well known that these concepts are not just theoretical concepts but actual and potential threats to any nation. India has also realised this bitter truth that also without much loss of crucial information and data.

Of course, strategic computers at Indian defence forces, governmental departments, etc were successfully breached and compromised. In many cases, India was not even aware of such compromise and there may be incidences where such compromise are still present and are undetected.

As on date we have neither a strong cyber law nor effective cyber security capabilities in India. Further, if we analyse the cyber security reflections the trend is really troublesome. The cyber law, cyber crimes and cyber security trends by Perry4Law and Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB) have shown the loopholes of Indian cyber security capabilities.

We at Perry4Law and PTLB strongly recommend that Indian government must stress really hard upon developing both defensive and offensive cyber security capabilities. The sooner it is done the better it would be for the national security of India in general and cyber security of India in particular.

Cyber Espionage Against India And Its Challenges, Solutions And Defences

If we analyse the Cyber Attacks Trends against India for the past few years it would be apparent that the frequency and sophistication of these Cyber Attacks has increased and developed a lot. The Cyber Attack by the Chinese Crackers at the computers in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) of India in December 2009 is one such example.

In this incidence, the Crackers targeted India's key National Security Peoples including National Security Advisor M.K. Narayanan, Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandrashekhar, PM's Special Envoy Shyam Saran and Deputy National Security Advisor Shekhar Dutt. The four and up to 26 others were specifically targeted in the Cracking exercise that was very successful.

The Cyber Espionage attack was very sophisticated and well executed. The E-Mail was routed through multiple proxy servers to defeat the Traceability. The Cracking Spyware was embedded in a PDF document to get it executed once opened. The Trojan Malware was programmed to carry out multiple functions, including downloading malicious files, accessing E-Mails and passwords and also accessing the desktop from a remote location.

In another incidence, it was reported that the Chinese Intelligence Agencies may have planted Malware in Computers and broken into the Headquarters of 33 Corps, the Army formation looking after most of the North-Eastern border with China. The Cyber Intrusion also planted a Trojan Horse to give Chinese Agencies remote access to the computer network at the 33 Corps Headquarters in Sukhna, near Siliguri, West Bengal.

 

In another incidence, many Computers of the Home Ministry were found infected with Malware. Reacting sharply, but wrongly, to these developments, the Union Home Ministry decided to ban the use of Internet by the lower rank staff up to section officers.

This was a “Defective Strategy” as banning use of Internet or Technology rather then developing Cyber Security Capabilities in India can never be a good choice. It is better to “Train” the staff rather than prohibiting them from using Internet.

The Home Ministry was barking the wrong tree as Security through Obscurity and Non-Access in itself and without further steps to develop Cyber Skills and Capabilities is a bad choice. The Government of India must concentrate upon “Capacity Development” of not only its employees but also its core Departments and Offices in order to tackle Cyber Espionage Attacks. Thus, Cyber Security Capabilities of India must be strengthened as soon as possible.

Cyber Espionage may be committed by an Insider or an outsider with the help of Internet and Computer. The problem is that Cyber Espionage is inexpensive and relatively easy to commit and it is also difficult to prove with absolute certainty. This is more so regarding “Authorship Attribution” that can pin point the liability to a Nation/Individual/Organisation.

Authorship Attribution is an important aspect of “Determining the Culpability” of an offender where the means to commit the offence are common and accessible to many people simultaneously. Data Mining and Profiling of the accused to “Attribute Culpability” to him/her alone is an emerging area of Cyber Crime Investigation but it is still far from perfect.

Having an effective Cyber Security Mechanism at place can help in prevention of majority of Cyber Espionage issues, but there is no full proof method of preventing Cyber Espionage. With adequate resources and time, a Cracker can penetrate and exploit the intended target.

The Cyber Security Policy of India must be urgently formulated that must incorporate provisions regarding Cyber Warfare, Cyber Terrorism, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Cyber Espionage, etc. In the ultimate analysis, enhancing Cyber Security of India is the ultimate solution.

Cyber Security In India: Its Challenges And Problems

Cyber Security in India is gaining importance day by day. However, the same is not a result of any Cyber Security Policy of India but due to the problems that India is facing. India has for long ignored Cyber Security aspect and this has caused tremendous loss to it. Now Cyber Security Problems of India have reached a stage where if immediate action is not taken, it may cause irreversible and irreparable loss to India.

The chief problem that India is facing from cyber front pertains to threats emanating form Cyber Warfare field. Cyber Warfare against India and its Defences is one area that requires special attention of our Policy Makers. We need a dedicated work force to take care of this sensitive and crucial field.

Another concern that is repeatedly conveyed to Indian Government is that Critical Infrastructure Protection in India is needed. As on date India is not vulnerable to Cyber Attacks targeting Critical Infrastructure of India. However, this is not because India has advance Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Mechanism at place but because India has outdated and ancient Infrastructure at place. The moment modern and ICT enabled Infrastructure would be used by India to support its Critical Infrastructure, the problems of India would increase manifolds.

For instance, the recent power failure of India has raised concerns not only in India but also World wide. Although the power outrage was claimed to be caused due to Defective Power Infrastructure, yet even in modern Power Infrastructure such a situation can occur. Cyber Security of automated Power Grids of India has not been contemplated by Indian Government so far.

Sophisticated Malware like Stuxnet and Duqu have already proved that Critical Infrastructures around the World like Power Grids, Nuclear Facilities, Satellites, Defense Networks, Governmental Informatics Infrastructures, etc are vulnerable to diverse range of Cyber Attacks. The truth is that Cyber Attacks are affecting Indian Critical Infrastructure and we are not even aware of the same.

Another area that must be on “Priority List” of Indian Government pertains to Cyber Terrorism. Cyber Terrorism against India and its Defences and Solutions has not been developed by India so far. This must be done now to prevent any further loss due to activities of Cyber Terrorists against India.

We must develop Cyber Security Capabilities of India as soon as possible. Further, we must also keep in mind the Importance of Cyber Forensics for India. Keeping this in mind, development of suitable Cyber Forensic Investigation Solutions in India are needed to Prevent and Defend various types of Cyber Attacks.

The list is endless and this article is not intended to cover all the aspects of Cyber security Problems of India. However, the top three Cyber Security Problems of India have been discussed by me. I would discuss more in this regard in my subsequent articles.

Cyber Terrorism Against India And Its Defences And Solutions

Cyber terrorism in India is not a new concept. However, for long concepts like cyber warfare, cyber terrorism, etc were not taken seriously by Indian government. Naturally, cyber security in India also could not flourish. The cyber security capabilities of India also could not develop in such circumstances.

Techno legal experts of India have been warning against growing incidences of cyber attacks, cyber crimes, cyber espionages, etc against India. Further, the fact that critical infrastructure protection in India is needed has also been reiterated from time to time.

Sophisticated malware like Stuxnet and Duqu have already proved that critical infrastructures around the world like power grids, nuclear facilities, satellites, defense networks, governmental informatics infrastructures, etc are vulnerable to diverse range of cyber attacks. The truth is that cyber attacks are affecting Indian critical infrastructure and we are not even aware of the same.

The cyber law, cyber crimes and cyber security trends by Perry4Law and Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB) have shown the loopholes of Indian cyber security capabilities. It is high time to plug in these loopholes and deficiencies of Indian cyber security capabilities.

Menaces like cyber terrorism and cyber warfare cannot be effectively tackled till we have both offensive and defensive cyber security capabilities. Further, cyber crisis management plan of India must be urgently formulated and effectively implemented so that cyber terrorism can be prevented in India.  

These anti cyber terrorism solutions must be implemented by India as soon as possible. Cyber security skills development in India must also be ensured so that we have a skilled cyber security workforce in India.

Critical Infrastructure Protection In India Is Needed

Critical Infrastructure is backbone of any Nation and if they are targeted then loss of tremendous nature can occur. It is also not necessary that critical infrastructure is attacked through physical presence at the place of critical infrastructure.

These days’ critical infrastructures are managed by information and communication technology (ICT). For instance, the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems are the new cyber attack battlefield for cyber criminals and rouge nations. In these circumstances, protection of critical infrastructure of India is of utmost importance.

Critical infrastructure protection (CIP) in India is an integral part of cyber security of India and the same must be a part of cyber security policy of India as well. Similarly, critical ICT infrastructure protection in India is also urgently required.

Malware like Stuxnet and Duqu have already proved that critical infrastructures like power grids, nuclear facilities, satellites, defense networks, governmental informatics infrastructures, etc are vulnerable to sophisticated cyber attacks. The truth is that cyber attacks are affecting Indian critical infrastructure.

We have no dedicated and implementable critical ICT infrastructure protection policy of India. Even we have no implementable cyber crisis management plan of India as on date. Although constitution of a national critical information infrastructure protection centre (NCIPC) of India has been suggested yet its constitution may still take decades. Till then the critical infrastructure protection (CIP) and homeland security (HS) of India would remain in doldrums.

It is high time to consider the cyber security reflections and work towards strengthening of cyber security of India. Further, issues of cyber warfare against India and its defenses must also be considered as cyber warfare against India is no more a fiction but a reality. Perry4Law and Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB) hope that Indian government would consider these recommendations as soon as possible and act accordingly.

Cyber Warfare Against India And Its Defenses

Cyber Warfare is a concept that is well known at both national and international levels. In one form or other and in lesser degree or more, Cyber Warfare has been accepted as a reality in the present Cyber World. However, Cyber Warfare concept still haunts the international community and till now we have no dedicated Legal Framework for Cyber Warfare at international level.

Till Harmonised Cyber Warfare Legal Framework emerges, piecemeal efforts would try to fill the void in this regard. Not very late NATO requested Cyber Security cooperation form India. We should not wait for others to develop our own Cyber Warfare Capabilities in India. In fact, Cyber Warfare Policy of India must be urgently formulated and immediately implemented. The same must be part and parcel of India’s National Cyber Security Policy.

Cyber Security in India needs to be strengthened keeping in mind the growing cases of Cyber Attacks and Cyber Espionage attacks against India. Even Cyber Warfare against India is well known and is not new. Ensuring 100% cyber security is next to impossible. However, we can minimise Cyber Attacks. India has remained indifferent towards Cyber Security for long. This resulted in poor Cyber Security Capabilities and Expertise. It is only now that India has paid attention to this crucial field and it is still not too late.

India should definitely step up/accelerate its efforts to strengthen Cyber Security along with Traditional National Security Capabilities. Internet and Hidden Internet has opened new frontiers and unforeseen challenges before India. Internet is increasingly been used to not only propagate Terrorism propaganda but also to recruit new Terrorists.

To tackle Terrorists’ use of Internet, International Cooperation amongst Governments, Organisations, Internet companies and telcos could be helpful. For the time being, Cyber Criminals/Terrorists are one step ahead of various Governments and International Cooperation activities.

New technologies have also caused problems for India. For instance, Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VOIP) is one of the technical challenges that Law Enforcement and Intelligence Agencies across the world are finding difficult to tackle. However, of late strong Encryption usage has emerged as more troublesome that VOIP. Further, VOIP can be intercepted in certain circumstances.

Developing of Cyber Security Capabilities and Expertise is immediately required in India. There is also an urgent need to develop both Preventive and Offensive Cyber Security Capabilities of India. The sooner it is done the better it would be for the National Security of India.

Cyber Security In India

Cyber security in India has been increasingly seen as prerequisite to protect Indian cyberspace. However, it never remained a priority for Indian government and it always received an indifferent treatment.

Cyber security issues in India cannot be ignored in India any more. Even the Indian government has realised this bitter truth. However, this realisation has still not made much difference towards India’s approach to secure its cyberspace in general and critical infrastructure protection in particular.

The scenario has become more complicated when state actors have also joined the cyber attack scenario. In many cases cyber attacks are launched by state sponsored attackers. Such cyber attacks are more stealth and deadly in nature. At times such attacks also remain undetected for years.

The traditional methodology of securing computers by installing anti virus, firewalls and anti malware tools are also ineffective in such a situation. Although ensuring cyber security in absolute terms is next to impossible yet with patience and adequate cyber security skills development, India can develop cyber security capabilities.

There are many missing links that are hindering in the development of cyber security capabilities in India. Not only India must formulate suitable cyber security policy but India must also actually implement the same.

Cyber Security In India: Some Reflections

Cyber security in India is one of the areas that have received a low priority attention of Indian government. Early warnings regarding lack of cyber security in India were given from time to time. However, as the issue has little political significance, it always remained a non existing issue for the political community of India. Naturally, there are many missing links existing in the cyber security of India.

Meanwhile, cyber attacks against India kept on increasing. Strategic and military computers of India were targeted and successfully compromised for months till India became aware of such compromise. Cases of cyber espionage, cyber warfare and cyber terrorism also increased against India, some known and some still unknown. There is no second opinion that the cyber security capabilities of India must be strengthened.

The cyber security of Indian satellites and critical infrastructure is also required to be strengthened. An implementable critical ICT infrastructure policy of India is also required to be formulated as soon as possible. Although the establishment of a national critical information infrastructure protection centre (NCIPC) of India has been proposed, till now no such centre has been established.

The cyber laws and cyber security trends of India 2011 by Perry4Law and Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB) has clearly showed the cyber security vulnerabilities of India. The cyber law trends of India 2012 have also projected an increased rate of cyber crimes in India and cyber attacks against India in the year 2012. These projections have now come true and India has become really vulnerable to cyber crimes and cyber attacks.

While protecting its cyberspace, India must maintain a balance between national security and civil liberty protection requirements. Human rights protection in Indian cyberspace must be ensured. Even United Nations must actively come in support of human rights in cyberspace. Protecting civil liberties in cyberspace must be a top priority for UN and national governments.

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