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but because India has outdated and ancient Infrastructure at place.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.
