Cyber Attack in India | Cyber Security of India

Cyber security in India has become an important part of national security. Cyber security is making cyberspace safe from misuses, threats, and spying. Cyberspace refers to a connected Internet Ecosystem. Cyber security refers to a protected computer, computers, or devices connected to the internet. It protects the hardware, data,  software of devices, and other cyberspace elements. Cyber security may include technical or non-technical activities to protect National Security. Today We will know some serious information about cyber security and cyber attack in India. 

Cyber security in India is covering all aspects of the nation beyond the military domain. Cyber security in India has protected the nation’s economy and welfare. India is one of the few countries to launch Cyber Security Policy, 2013.  But not much happened according to the cyber approach.

Cyber attack in India

Some major cyber attack in India:

• Leaking of  debit card information of 3.2million debit cards, 2016
• Data theft at Zomato, 2017
• Wannacry Ransomware, 2017
• PETYA Ransomware, 2017
• Vanished 94Cr from Cosmos Bank, Pune,2018
• Malware attack in kudankulam nuclear plant system, 2019

Thus, there is a requirement of an upgraded cyber security policy in India.

National Cyber security Strategy 2020

The National Cyber security Strategy 2020 is an upgrade of Cyber Security Policy 2013. National Cyber security Strategy 2020(NCSS 2020) is formulated for 5 years (2020-2025). National Cyber security Strategy 2020 is to ensure safety and security in cyberspace for India. India has 36 central institutes to look after cyber issues. Each has its responding pattern and ICERT (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team). Strategy related NCSS 2020 are:

• Create assured framework
• Create a secured internet ecosystem
• Strengthen regular framework
• A mechanism to manage threats and vulnerability
• Response to security threats
• Secure E-Government services
• Protect and strengthen Critical Information Infrastructure
• Reduce supply chain
• Promote research and cyber security development

Need for Cyber Security in India Framework

• Importance of National Security to encourage cyber command over the framework. Kargil Review Committee 1999, first stressed the importance of an efficient Cyber Security infrastructure.
• Importance of Digital Economy as it comprises 14-15 % of India’s economy. It is targeted to reach 20% by 2024.
• With the introduction of modern technologies like AI, ML, IoT cyberspace becomes a complex domain.
• Securing data is one of the toughest things in this century. As several international companies are trying to access the data.

Thus, efficient cyber security architecture is required.

Challenges to India’s Cyber Security

• Lack of Cyber Security Workforce as many organizations lack in manpower for the software and hardware field. Rapid advancement leads to a growing demand for professionals in AI, BCT, IoT, ML, etc. There is a need for at least three million cyber security professionals.
• Lack of Active Cyber Defence as India has no active cyber defense for the overseas use of data or regulation of data protection.
• Cyberspace regulatory bodies are overlapping with each other. A single organization is required for dealing with cyber security. And an efficient response team is also required.
• India lacks Indigenous hardware and software cyber security tools. As depending on foreign players for cyber security makes India’s cyberspace vulnerable.

Types of Cyber attack

• Malware- Malicious file to corrupt computers
• Viruses, worms
• Theft of Data
• Hacktivism
• Mobile devices and apps related attacks
• Attack through malicious emails or text
• Domain Name System(DNS) attacks
• BGP hijacking
• Denial of Service(DoS)

Status of Cyber Security in India

India is ranked third for the highest number of internet users in the world. As the number has increased six times more between 2012-2019. India is amongst the top ten spam-sending countries in the world. Symantec Corporation an online security firm reported that India is among the top five countries to be affected by cyber crime.

 According to the Data Breach Investigation Report (DBIR), DoS attacks are the most common types of attacks. These data breaches include banking trojan stealing, refusing customer's password, and ATM skimming. Out of 100 cases, only 47% of the cases get disclosed. A pattern of cyber theft involves denial of service(DoS), attacking Web application, and skimming of a payment card. Cyber theft motives are 96% financial and 1% for spying. Cyber terrorists penetrate and attack national assets damaging their infrastructure.

Do you know A cyber attack could be deadly as Nuclear Weapons?

Comment if you have any questions

Post by Samrat Bose