Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Cyberterrorism merges cyberspace with terrorism, involving unlawful attacks on computers and networks to intimidate or coerce governments or populations for political or social ends. Such attacks, which must result in violence or significant harm, can target critical infrastructure, causing severe economic losses or fear. In India, this evolving threat challenges internal security, prompting the government to implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect against potential disruptions and safeguard national stability.

Body

Growing Threat of Cyberterrorism to India's Internal Security

• Increased Digital Footprint:
  • India, with the second-largest online market globally, faces heightened risk as its vast digital population becomes a target for cyberterrorism.
  • The expansive digital infrastructure offers ample opportunities for terrorists to exploit technology for malicious purposes.
• Notable Terrorist Incidents:
  • High-profile attacks such as the URI attack, Pulwama assault, and 26/11 Mumbai incident have demonstrated the significant role of digital technology in executing and coordinating terrorist operations.
  • For instance, the Mumbai attackers used Google Earth, mobile networks, and social media for planning and real-time communication, highlighting the vulnerability of critical information systems.
• Rising Cyber Threats:
  • In 2020, CERT-In reported handling over 1.1 million cyber terrorism-related threats, including a variety of attacks such as malware propagation, phishing, and ransomware.
  • This surge in cyber threats indicates a growing challenge to national security and the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
• Exploitation of Digital Tools:
  • Terrorists leverage digital tools for information gathering and operational coordination, as evidenced by the extensive use of telecommunication and internet resources in previous attacks.
  • This misuse of technology underscores the critical need for enhanced digital defenses to prevent future incidents.
• Impact on National Security:
  • Cyberterrorism poses a severe risk to internal security by potentially causing large-scale disruptions, economic losses, and fear among the populace.
  • The ability of cyberterrorists to compromise critical infrastructure and sensitive information threatens the stability and safety of the nation.

Measures Taken by the Government of India to Combat Cyberterrorism

• Establishment of Defense Cyber Agency: Created under the Ministry of Defense to reduce cyber crimes across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Formation of Cyber Emergency Response Teams (CERT): Established to respond to and manage cybersecurity incidents and threats.
• Creation of National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC): Central hub for dealing with cyber threats and terrorism, integrating all CERTs and ISACs for streamlined information flow.
• Launch of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): Operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to address cybercrime and cyberterrorism comprehensively.
• Implementation of Cyber Audits and Policy Guidelines: Ensures robust cybersecurity measures for the Armed Forces, including physical checks and policy enforcement.
• Conduct of Regular Cybersecurity Drills: Mock exercises to enhance preparedness and response to cyber threats.
• Routing Internet Traffic Within India: Efforts to ensure that internet traffic originating and ending in India remains within national borders, in collaboration with government ministries, ISPs(Internet Service Providers), and NIXI(National Internet Exchange of India).
• Establishment of Cyber Swachhta Kendra: Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre to identify and remove malicious programs, offering free tools for malware removal.

Suggestions to Improve Cybersecurity and Enhance India’s Internal Security

• Strengthen the Legal Framework:
  • Update and expand the Information Technology (IT) Act of 2000 to address gaps and limitations.
  • Enact comprehensive laws covering cyber terrorism, cyber warfare, espionage, and fraud with clear definitions, procedures, and penalties.
• Enhance Cybersecurity Capabilities:
  • Invest in developing technical staff, cyber forensics facilities, and cybersecurity standards.
  • Establish cyber security centers of excellence and foster better coordination and collaboration among stakeholders.
• Establish a Cybersecurity Board:
  • Create a board with representatives from government and private sectors to analyze significant cyber incidents, recommend improvements, and adopt a zero-trust architecture and standardized response protocols.
• Expand International Cooperation:
  • Engage with global and regional organizations to share best practices, threat intelligence, and harmonize cyber laws.
  • Actively participate in dialogues and initiatives like the ASEAN Regional Forum and Indo-US Cyber Security Forum to address common cybersecurity challenges.

Conclusion

As India continues to expand its digital landscape, strengthening cybersecurity remains paramount to safeguarding national security. Future efforts should focus on fortifying legal frameworks, advancing technological capabilities, and enhancing international cooperation to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. By fostering a proactive and collaborative approach, India can better protect its critical infrastructure and ensure a secure digital environment for its citizens.