Cyber Security in India

Introduction : India is a country with 25.02 crores of internet users and this number is growing more rapidly than in any other country.  Shopping,  banking,  security, government all are being run thought internet and computers. In this environment,  it is essential that cyber space remains safe from the cyber attacks,  which rampant worldwide these days.

Latest Threats : Cyber breaches have kept the government,  individuals,  and companies around the world busy in years,  in protecting their interests and assets.  India has also taken few steps,  but they are preliminary in nature. Every year a document by the name of  " Cyber Security Trend " is published by the Government of India to make people aware against the latest threats. No effective steps were witnessed so far. The international nature of cyber attacks requires a totally different approach towards cyber crimes and cyber Security in India. Keeping this in mind, the cyber laws in India will have to be suitably amended or repealed. 

National Cyber Security Policy 2014 : National Cyber Security Policy  is a policy framework by the Government of India. It aims at protecting the public and private infrastructure from cyber attacks. The policy also intends to safeguard information,  such as personal information (of web users), financial and banking information,  and sovereign data. The policy has defined the cyber, space as a complex environment consisting of interaction between people, software services supported by worldwide distribution,  and communication technology. 

Objectives of the Policy : The major objectives of the cyber policy have been to protect information and information infrastructure in cyberspace,  to build capabilities to prevent and respond to cyber threats, to reduce vulnerabilities and minimize damage cyber attacks, to create a secure cyber ecosystem, to generate adequate trust and confidence in IT system and transaction,  to create an assurance framework for design of security policies, to ensure compliance to global security standards,  and to strengthen the regulatory framework. 

Deficiencies of the policy : The National Cyber Security Policy of India 2013 is suffering from various shortcomings and limitations. The policy has also not been implemented till date. The cyber security challenges in India are increasing day by day. The proposed initiative Like National Cyber Coordination Center can prove to be useful. This policy has failed to address numerous issues, such as protection of civil liberties including privacy rights. The offensive and defensive cyber Security capabilities of India are still missing. The country is still considered a sitting duck in the field of cyberspace and cyber Security. 

Conclusion : In short, India is not at all cyber prepared and the cyber security policy is just another policy document with no actual implementation and impact. The cyber Security challenges in India would increase further and immediate action is required in the regard.