Threat landscape
- Ransomware (AIIMS 2022), state-sponsored intrusions, supply-chain attacks.
- Deepfakes, mis/disinformation, election interference.
- AI-enabled offensive capability lowers cost of attack.
Institutional map
- MeitY, NCIIPC (Critical Information Infrastructure), CERT-In.
- NCSC in NSCS, Defence Cyber Agency, I4C.
- Sectoral CERTs — power (CERT-Trans), finance (CSIRT-Fin).
Legal architecture
- IT Act 2000; DPDP Act 2023; upcoming Digital India Act.
- CERT-In 6-hour reporting directions (2022).
- Budapest Convention — India non-signatory; UN Cybercrime treaty debate.
Way forward
- National Cyber Security Strategy (long-pending) needs release.
- Zero-trust for CII, mandatory cyber audits.
- Talent pipeline — 10x scale-up in offensive-defensive skills.
Common Pitfalls
- Do not treat cyber as 'IT security' — it now covers social-psychological warfare.
FAQs
- Best data anchor?
- 'India recorded ~13.9 lakh cyber security incidents in 2022 (CERT-In).'
UPSC Mains PYQs on this microtheme
- What are the different elements of cyber security ? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.📅 2022 · 📌 15
- Keeping in view India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks.📅 2021 · 📌 10
- Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace.📅 2020 · 📌 10
- What is the CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India.📅 2019 · 📌 10
- Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cyber crimes. The Justice B. N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weakness of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space?📅 2018 · 📌 15
- Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it.📅 2017 · 📌 10
- Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed Force” to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Poli- cy, 2013 outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation.📅 2015 · 📌 12.5
- Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same.📅 2013 · 📌 10