India must act fast to secure its digital future in an era where technological prowess is now critical to national security

Today, cyber attacks affect every aspect of life, from government agencies and corporations to individuals’ personal data and privacy. While the reach of cybercrime is vast, the underlying complexity remains poorly understood by many, with significant security consequences for nations that fail to adequately address these threats. Cyberattacks threaten national security and highlight the vulnerabilities associated with our increasing reliance on digital infrastructure. Although the Internet has revolutionized the world by providing incredible convenience, connectivity, and convenience, these benefits come with the challenge of protecting data and critical infrastructure. As cybersecurity becomes the essential defense for peace, prosperity and privacy in the digital age, recent incidents such as the breach of 7.9 million customer records at Indian brokerage firm Angel demonstrate the need to strengthen digital protections. While the Internet facilitates access, it also introduces serious vulnerabilities that require immediate and concerted efforts.

The recent cyber attack on Iran marks a frightening advance in digital warfare, illustrating that no nation is immune to the risks of a hyper-connected world. As countries, corporations, and citizens expand their presence online, the scale of potentially devastating cyberattacks increases dramatically.

This incident serves as a reminder of the need for nations to address the complex and growing risks of cyberspace. India, for example, is undergoing a digital revolution with over 936 million internet users in December 2023. These “Digital Nagriks” fuel a dynamic digital economy, supporting critical sectors such as health, education, finance and agriculture. However, the rapid pace of digital adoption has outstripped cyber security measures in India, creating opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit these loopholes.

According to the Cisco Cybersecurity Readiness Index 2024, only 4% of Indian companies are fully prepared to counter cyber threats, exposing significant vulnerabilities in the nation’s digital framework. These threats arise not only from criminal organizations but also from state-sponsored entities targeting India’s economic and strategic assets.

Moreover, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) enable more sophisticated cyber attacks, including deepfake technology and disinformation campaigns, adding complex layers to cyber defenses.

In today’s world, technological prowess in areas like AI and cybersecurity equates to national security, rivaling traditional military power. However, India faces several challenges in coordinating an effective cyber defense.

While initiatives such as Cyber ​​​​Surakshit Bharat have shown early progress, a comprehensive national cyber security strategy is still lacking, which limits effective threat response and assessment. A recent step forward was the appointment by the Prime Minister’s Office of a cybersecurity oversight official, but gaps remain in the infrastructure needed to support global defense. The borderless nature of cyberspace complicates defense efforts, as attacks can target both military and civilian assets globally, bypassing traditional political and geographic constraints.

India has implemented several initiatives to combat cyber threats. For example, the Cyber ​​Fraud Mitigation Center (CFMC) at the Indian Cyber ​​Crime Coordination Center in New Delhi brings together key players, including banks, telecom providers and law enforcement agencies, to combat online financial crime. This initiative, exemplifying “Cooperative Federalism”, enables rapid responses to fraud. The government has also introduced the Samanvaya Platform, a centralized repository of cybercrime data to boost cooperation between agencies. Despite these initiatives, further action is needed to establish a comprehensive cybersecurity framework. Without unified regulatory standards, gaps remain in protecting the public and private sectors, especially for small businesses, which may not have the resources for robust cybersecurity protocols.

This vulnerability could undermine both national security and public confidence in India’s digital infrastructure. Programs such as Cyber ​​​​Surakshit Bharat, the National Cyber ​​Security Coordination Center (NCCC) and CERT-In have all sought to strengthen India’s defences, with additional measures such as the Information Security Education and Awareness Project (ISEA) contributing to creating a culture of security awareness. among citizens. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act of 2023 reinforces this commitment by aligning with global data security standards to improve transparency and accountability among companies.

(Writer is Assistant Professor, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Sonepat; views are personal)