GS 3 · 2021Internal Security10 Marks
Q11.Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks.
Directive: Analyse, discuss10 marks
Introduction
Cross-border cyber attacks significantly threaten India's internal security by targeting critical infrastructure, national data, and social stability. These sophisticated threats originate from state-sponsored actors, terrorist groups, and criminal syndicates.
Analysis: Impact of Cross-border Cyber Attacks
- Cyber espionage, data theft, and intellectual property theft compromising national secrets.
- Economic disruption and potential paralysis of critical infrastructure like power, finance, and transport.
- Potential for radicalization, disinformation campaigns, and social disorder through manipulation of information.
Discussion: Defensive Measures
Technological Safeguards
- Implementing advanced firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and AI/ML-based threat intelligence.
- Ensuring strong encryption, secure coding practices, and regular security audits.
Policy, Legal, and Institutional Frameworks
- Formulating a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy and amending the IT Act.
- Enacting robust data protection laws and strengthening Critical Information Infrastructure Protection.
International Cooperation and Capacity Building
- Fostering intelligence sharing, cyber diplomacy, and multilateral agreements for attribution and deterrence.
- Developing skilled manpower, launching public awareness campaigns, and strengthening CERT-In for national cyber resilience.
Conclusion
A multi-pronged, comprehensive cyber security strategy encompassing technological, legal, and international dimensions is essential for national cyber resilience against these evolving threats.
168 words · target ~150