The recent news about Cognyte, a spyware maker selling tech gear to the Signal Intelligence Directorate under the Ministry of Defence, has raised concerns about cybersecurity and the need for robust measures to safeguard India’s digital space.
Importance of Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, networks, programs, and data from unauthorized access or attacks aimed for exploitation. It is crucial in making cyberspace safe from threats, namely cyber-threats. Cyber warfare occurs when a nation-state or international organization attacks and attempts to damage another nation’s computers or information networks through, for example, computer viruses or denial-of-service attacks.
The importance of cybersecurity is more crucial in India as the country is poised to become a global leader in terms of data, technology, digitization, and inclusion. The government has been driving technology-led initiatives through flagship programs like Startup India, Digital India, etc. to foster a favorable business environment for existing and new businesses to become global unicorns. India has significant potential for growth in the coming years, and as the digital economy grows, it becomes more prone to cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
Government Initiatives
The Government of India (GoI) has taken several technical, institutional, and legislative steps to tackle issues related to cybersecurity, including the National Cyber Security Policy (2013) and enactment of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) was founded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) as the national bureau for event response, including evaluation, prediction, and alerts for cybersecurity breaches.
The Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre) (CSK), a constituent of the Digital India initiative of the GoI under MeitY, works to create a secure cyberspace by identifying botnets. The Cyber and Information Security (C&IS) division of MHA deals with issues relating to Cyber Crime, Cyber Security, National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), and National Information Security Policy & Guidelines (NISPG).
NATGRID is an integrated intelligence master database structure that links databases from several security agencies within the GoI. The Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) Scheme is established by MHA to give the states/UTs financial support for the establishment of cyber forensic-cum-training laboratories.
MHA established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to deal with all types of cybercrime in the country in a coordinated and comprehensive manner. It has an outlay of USD 49.9 million. National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) and National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) are some other initiatives undertaken by the government concerning cybersecurity.
Potential Solutions to Safeguard India’s Cybersecurity Journey
Governments, both at the state and central level, as well as the industry, will need to play an active role in spreading awareness and training individuals. A large part of India’s population is digitally literate but unaware of basic security measures. Policymakers’ role will be equally crucial as they can help the industry catalyze innovation and bring new solutions to the market at a faster pace and with enhanced agility.
To tackle cyber threats on an urgent basis, the government and industry players have to build capabilities driven by advanced AI and ML solutions. AI/ML helps in analyzing data from millions of cyber incidents and using it to identify potential threats or a new variant of malware.
Why In News
Cognyte Software Ltd, which is often marketed as a Pegasus alternative, has reportedly sold tech equipment to the Signal Intelligence Directorate under the Ministry of Defence. The company is currently facing a class-action lawsuit from investors in the United States.
MCQs about The Need for Robust Cybersecurity in India’s Digital Economy
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What is the name of the spyware maker?
A. Cognyte
B. Pegasus
C. Signal Intelligence Directorate
D. Ministry of Defence
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Who is Cognyte accused of selling tech gear to?
A. The Ministry of Defence
B. Pegasus
C. The Signal Intelligence Directorate
D. Investors
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Which country is Cognyte Software Ltd facing a class action lawsuit in?
A. The United States
B. The United Kingdom
C. China
D. Russia
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What is the purpose of Pegasus and Cognyte’s spyware?
A. To monitor individuals and gain access to their information
B. To protect individuals from cyber attacks
C. To provide secure communication channels
D. To enhance online privacy
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