Rapid digitization and increased mobility offer many advantages while expanding the threat and vulnerability landscape. India has witnessed an increase in the number and frequency of recent data breaches, proving that companies across all sectors are vulnerable to cyberattacks. India had the highest average number of data breaches last year, followed by the Middle East and the United States, according to the 2019 Cost of Data Breach Report. India needs to strengthen its cybersecurity measures.
What is the importance of cyber security in India?
Cybersecurity is a significant area of the internet as the country moves towards a cashless society and digitization. Until 2013, India did not even have a cyber security policy. In India, taking cyber security seriously is of utmost importance as most transactions are done online and without cash.
Security is a challenge because privacy is a fundamental right, and increasing cybercrime can lead to privacy violations and freedom of expression, according to the SC ruling. Cybersecurity is now becoming an essential piece of legislation in cyber law. Capacity building needs to take place in different departments, and mechanisms need to be in place to address these challenges.
As cyberattacks increase and become more sophisticated, so does the cybersecurity interest of regulators. Regulators develop frameworks and guidelines and also tighten control over organizations in various sectors.
The Indian government has launched a program to transform the country into a digital economy. From the launch of Aadhaar, MyGov, Government e-Market, DigiLocker, Bharat Net, Startup India, Skill India, and Smart Cities, we have uncovered various initiatives to lead India toward tech literacy and transformation.
Why is cybersecurity a priority in India?
Governments are stepping up cyber security powers to curb the growing threat of financial fraud. Many companies and government officials have developed their capabilities to track suspected cyber attackers in so-called “hunting.” Without an accepted code of conduct, it can destabilize the entire cyberspace. The Indian military should properly assess the offensive cyber doctrines adopted by many nations and go beyond simply building defense capabilities. Aggressive cyber attacks are not limited to nation-states alone.
Still, the government needs to continue investing in strengthening India’s cybersecurity framework. A thorough risk and gap assessment of the current cyber resilience of different economic sectors of the country is necessary, as strengthening and reviewing national cyber security projects such as the National Cyber Coordination Center (NCCC), National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection, and many more are also required.
But implementing them in cyberspace is a daunting task. UNGGE 2015 was a primary setback in the standards development process and failed to reach a consensus. There is currently no code of conduct that is acceptable in cyberspace.
Recently reported violations are a concern for both government and businesses. India needs to strengthen its legal framework to deal with cyber security incidents, improve critical infrastructure protection, build attack capabilities, and educate its citizens on the safe use of digital assets.
Key Takeaway
Yes, prioritizing cyber security and the security of its key sectors is crucial to securing India’s position as one of the world’s leading investment hubs. Therefore, cybersecurity measures by governments and organizations should evolve and become more prominent in the upcoming time.