CYBER SECURITY
Science
INTRODUCTION
Cyber Security, also known as computer security or information technology security, refers to the protection of computer systems, networks, and digital data from unauthorized access, theft, damage, disruption, or misuse. With increasing digitisation of governance, economy, defence, education, and personal life, cyber security has become a critical component of national security and public safety.
Cyber security aims to ensure:
• Confidentiality of information
• Integrity of data
• Availability of systems and services
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NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY POLICY, 2013
The National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP), 2013 provides strategic direction for protecting India’s cyberspace.
Objectives:
• Creation of a secure cyber ecosystem
• Compliance with global cyber security standards
• Strengthening regulatory and legal frameworks
• Protection of critical information infrastructure
• Prevention, investigation, and prosecution of cyber crimes
• Promotion of indigenous cyber security technologies
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TYPES OF CYBER ATTACKS
• Virus
A self-replicating malware that spreads by attaching itself to executable files and damages systems.
• Hacking Websites
Unauthorized access to personal, commercial, or government websites to steal, modify, or destroy data.
• Malicious Code
Any harmful software code designed to disrupt operations, damage data, or breach system security.
• Worms and Trojans
Malware disguised as legitimate software that corrupts systems, hard drives, and background processes.
• Identity Theft and Phishing
Fraudulent emails or messages posing as trusted entities to extract personal or financial information.
• DoS and DDoS Attacks
Denial-of-Service attacks overload a system with excessive requests.
Distributed DoS involves multiple systems attacking simultaneously.
• Cyber Espionage
Stealing confidential government or corporate data for strategic or political advantage.
• Cyber Warfare
State-sponsored cyber attacks aimed at disrupting military, economic, or strategic infrastructure.
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CYBER TERRORISM
Cyber terrorism refers to unlawful attacks on computers, networks, or data to intimidate governments or populations for political or ideological objectives.
Key characteristics:
• Attacks on critical infrastructure such as power, transport, defence, or banking
• Potential to cause large-scale economic damage, fear, or loss of life
• Examples include attacks causing blackouts, aviation disruption, or water contamination
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RECENT CYBER ATTACK INCIDENTS IN INDIA
• Chinese hacker group APT-10 allegedly targeted Indian Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers
• Microsoft reported cyber attacks by Russia and North Korea targeting vaccine companies
• Red Echo group used ShadowPad malware to target India’s power sector in 2021
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GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES AGAINST CYBER CRIME
• Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children Scheme
• National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
• Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
• Cyber Dost Awareness Programme
• Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)
• National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC)
• Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative
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STAKEHOLDER AGENCIES IN INDIA
• National Information Board (NIB)
Apex body overseeing critical information infrastructure.
• National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC)
Handles national-level crises including major cyber incidents.
• National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)
Coordinates strategic and security-related cyber concerns.
• Department of Information Technology (DIT)
Promotes IT development and inclusive digital growth.
• Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
Coordinates with ISPs and telecom operators during cyber incidents.
• CERT-In
Nodal agency for monitoring, alerting, and responding to cyber threats.
• National Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NIIPC)
Protects critical infrastructure and strategic sectors.
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
Handles cyber disasters with national implications.
• Cyber Regulations Appellate Tribunal
Quasi-judicial body under IT Act, 2000 for cyber dispute resolution.
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IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON CYBER SECURITY
• Increased reliance on digital platforms
• Higher risk due to remote working and learning
• Delays in cyber attack detection and response
• Rise in cyber crime due to unemployment
• Increase in cyber bullying and harassment
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CHALLENGES IN INDIA’S CYBER SECURITY
• Non-signatory to Budapest Convention
• Limited Public-Private Partnership in cyber defence
• Shortage of skilled cyber security professionals
• Outdated IT Act and Cyber Security Policy
• Lack of cyber awareness among citizens
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STRATEGIES AND SUGGESTIONS
• Signing international cyber conventions
• Strengthening cyber laws and IT Act
• Expanding cyber forensic labs and cyber courts
• Robust training of police and judiciary
• Digital literacy and cyber hygiene awareness
• Mandatory cyber security audits for companies
• Greater role of private sector through PPP model
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CONCLUSION
Cyber security is no longer a technical issue alone but a governance, economic, and national security concern. Strengthening India’s cyber resilience requires legal reforms, skilled manpower, global cooperation, and citizen awareness.
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Subject: Science
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