Sansad TV: Cyber Crime | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

• To commit an offense, or as the object of the crime, a computer is used in what is defined as cybercrime. Cybercrime is at an all-time high and affects individuals, businesses, and countries. The enormous digitization movement in India has led to a rapid increase in cyber security spending.
• The pandemic has caused sensitive information to become more vulnerable to security vulnerabilities, with data increasingly becoming part of the public domain as numerous companies allow their employees to work from home. 
• The complexity of cyber crimes has increased due to the rise of digital payments. During the global pandemic, cyber crimes in India rose by almost 500%. The Information Technology Act, 2000, which deals with cyber security and cyber crimes, is insufficient to address the changes in business operations and crime methods in cyberspace. 
• The urgency of these expenses has increased due to past ransomware attacks. Innovation in cybersecurity remains a key area in cyberspace. Demonetization and the government's Digital India initiative have increased demand for cybersecurity talent.

India’s Vulnerability on cyber space

• The need to maintain a balance between an individual's rights, freedom, and confidentiality is important.
• India is still at risk of cyberattacks and cybercrime, despite the increasing usage of the Internet and smartphones, making it a preferred target for cyber criminals.
• Online radicalization is becoming a more significant concern.
• There is a lack of coordination between various government departments.
• If attackers are able to gain control of essential systems like nuclear plants, railways, transportation, or hospitals, the potential consequences could be dire.

Steps taken by the Government to spread awareness about cyber crimes

• An online portal for reporting cybercrime related to child pornography, child sexual abuse material, rape/gang rape images, and sexually explicit content has been launched.
• The Indian government has established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) scheme to address cybercrime in a comprehensive and coordinated manner.
• The National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) has been established to safeguard critical information infrastructure in the country.
• All digital service providers are required to report cyber security incidents to CERT-In.
• The Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre) has been launched to identify malicious programs and provide free tools to remove them.
• A Crisis Management Plan has been formulated to counter cyber attacks and cyber terrorism.

Challenges in Cyber Security

• Cyber security challenges exist with new technologies like AI and machine learning.
• Security concerns in the Internet of Things.
• New technologies also benefit hackers.
• Lack of a cyber-security mindset and understanding of cyber risks.
• Most cyber-attacks go unreported.
• Shortage of skilled cyber security professionals.
• Cyber criminals, bullies, extremists, and terrorists causing disruption.
• India not a signatory to the Budapest Convention on cyber security.
• Insufficient number of full-time cyber security experts.

Way Forward

• Regular issuance of alerts and advisories.
• Coordination among different countries' CERTs.
• Nations must take responsibility to prevent terrorism and radicalization in the digital space.
• Cultivate alertness to cyber security concerns.
• Protect vulnerable groups from cyber criminals.
• Implement global best practices for cyber security.
• Move from IT security to cyber security.
• Punish individuals using technology for causing harm.
• Encourage prompt reporting of cyber attacks to law enforcement.
• Develop crisis management plans to respond to cyber attacks.

Conclusion

• As it pertains to India, cyber security is applicable to a variety of domains and is of great importance. Given that cyber security has become a worldwide challenge, countries like India must obtain greater levels of national capacity and niche expertise to ensure composite national security, whether it concerns cyber technology, commerce, law, or global internet management.
• It is crucial that the younger generation in India become more aware of this issue, and a collective effort must be made to prioritize this sector accordingly.