[Answered] Highlight the Salient features of national Cyber Security Strategy, conceptualized by the Data Security Council of India (DSCI). Why does India need a cybersecurity strategy?

The IT Act, 2000 defines “cyber-security” as the protection given to devices and information stored therein from “unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification or destruction.” Cyber-attacks can cost the country a lot of money, and that can be very harmful to our economy. The Data Security Council of India (DSCI) conceptualized a report for ensuring a safe, secure, trusted, resilient, and vibrant cyberspace for India.

Salient features of national Cyber Security Strategy:

• Large scale digitization of public services: It focuses on security in the early stages of design in all digitization initiatives and for developing institutional capability for assessment, evaluation, certification, and rating of core devices.
• Supply chain security: It stresses upon the robust monitoring, product testing and certification of the Integrated circuits (ICT) and electronics products, so that the country’s semiconductor design capabilities can be leveraged globally.
• Critical information infrastructure protection: For this, the supervisory control and data acquisition security should be integrated with enterprise security and repository of vulnerabilities should also be maintained.
• Digital payments: The mapping and modelling of devices are deployed for payment flows, interfaces, data exchange and threat research.
• State-level cyber security: State-level cyber security policies and guidelines help to develop security architecture, operations, and governance.

Need for cyber security strategy:

• Increased Cyber attacks: Indian organisations witnessed a 218% increase in ransomware, higher than the global average of 21%. Software and services (26%), capital goods (14%) and the public sector (9%) were among the most targeted sectors.
• Cyber warfare: It involves the actions by a nation-state or international organization to attack and attempt to damage another nation’s computers or information networks. E.g. cyber terrorism
• Lack of awareness: Children and teenagers are addicted to online gaming and other online activities. Without adequate awareness, children could fall prey to cyberbullying, frauds, and exploitation.
• Security of critical data: It is necessary for the security of our critical infrastructure (e.g. energy, oil & gas, utility, banking, telecom, etc.), which is key to smart cities and digital India mission too.

India has an increasing number of cyber security issues so it is important that India take measures to prevent the same. Cybersecurity issues can be prevented if proper education and awareness about cyber security are increased. For ‘new India’ to reach greater heights, we need cyber-responsible businesses, government, and citizens.