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150 Words10 Marks
Q.Keeping in view of India’s internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber-attacks. Also, discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks.
UPSC Mains 2021•Internal Security
Model Answer
View this Question In PYQ RealmIntroduction
A cyber-attack is a deliberate attempt to compromise digital infrastructure, steal sensitive data, or disrupt critical services. When orchestrated across borders, these attacks can escalate into cyberwarfare or cyberterrorism, posing a severe threat to India's internal security.
Body Analysis
Impact of Cross-Border Cyber-Attacks on Internal Security
- Social Disruption: Hostile actors use social media platforms to spread deepfakes, misinformation, and radicalizing content, inciting communal disharmony and aiding terror recruitment.
- Espionage: Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are deployed to steal sensitive defense, space, and diplomatic data. India's ban on several foreign mobile applications highlights these espionage concerns.
- Critical Infrastructure Disruption: Cyber-attacks targeting power grids (e.g., the Mumbai grid failure suspicion), nuclear facilities, and financial networks can paralyze essential services.
- Sustaining Cross-Border Terrorism: Modern terror networks rely heavily on encrypted communication, darknet funding, and cyber-sabotage to coordinate attacks within India.
Defensive Measures Against Cyber-Attacks
- National-Level Coordination: Multiple specialized agencies work in tandem to monitor, detect, and neutralize incoming cyber threats.
- Cyber Swachhta Kendra: A government initiative focused on botnet cleaning and malware analysis, providing free tools to secure personal and enterprise systems.
- Fostering Cybersecurity Start-ups: Collaborative efforts by the Technology Development Board and the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) promote indigenous cybersecurity solutions.
- Proactive Alerts and Advisories: Regular security updates from CERT-In help organizations patch vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
- Information Technology Act (2000): Provides the primary legal framework to penalize cybercriminals and deter malicious digital activities.
- NCIIPC: The National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre specifically safeguards critical sectors like power, telecom, and transport.
- NCCC: The National Cyber Coordination Centre facilitates real-time metadata collection and threat intelligence sharing.
Conclusion
To counter sophisticated cross-border cyber threats, India must transition from a reactive defense posture to a proactive, deterrent-based strategy. Formulating a comprehensive, updated National Cybersecurity Policy and investing in indigenous R&D are critical to securing India's digital sovereignty.
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