Cybersecurity & Cyber Warfare | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Introduction

Cybersecurity and cyber warfare have emerged as critical components of modern defence strategies, given the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure for military, economic, and societal functions. Cybersecurity focuses on protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, while cyber warfare involves offensive and defensive operations in cyberspace to achieve strategic objectives. For defence, these domains are pivotal in safeguarding national security against state-sponsored cyberattacks, cyber espionage, and disruptions to critical infrastructure. As of August 2025, the global landscape, including India, underscores the urgency of robust cyber defence mechanisms, making this topic vital for UPSC aspirants addressing science, technology, and security governance.

Fundamentals of Cybersecurity and Cyber Warfare

Definition of Cybersecurity:

• Encompasses technologies, policies, and practices to protect information systems from cyber threats like hacking, malware, and data breaches.

• Key principles: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA triad).

Definition of Cyber Warfare:

• Use of digital attacks by state or non-state actors to disrupt, degrade, or destroy an adversary’s systems, infrastructure, or operations.

• Includes tactics like hacking, malware deployment, and information warfare targeting military, governmental, and civilian systems.

Significance for Defence:

• Protects critical defence infrastructure (e.g., command and control systems, weapon systems).

• Enables offensive capabilities to disrupt adversaries’ operations.

• Addresses hybrid threats combining cyber and physical attacks.

Evolution of Cyber Threats in Defence

• Nature of Threats:

  • State-Sponsored Attacks: Nations like China and Russia integrate AI and advanced malware for espionage and disruption (e.g., Salt Typhoon attacks by China).

  • Ransomware: Targets critical sectors (e.g., defence, healthcare), with global ransomware attacks costing $3.1 billion in 2023.

  • Non-State Actors: Terrorist groups and cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities for financial gain or ideological goals.

  • Sleeper Malware: Dormant threats activated for strategic impact.

• Emerging Trends:

  • AI-Enhanced Attacks: Automate and scale cyberattacks, increasing speed and complexity.

  • Zero-Day Exploits: Target unpatched vulnerabilities, as seen in Akira ransomware attacks on SonicWall VPNs.

  • Cyber-Physical Attacks: Combine cyber intrusions with physical sabotage (e.g., targeting power grids).

Cybersecurity Strategies for Defence

• Core Components:

  • Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities through assessments and audits.

  • Intrusion Detection and Prevention: Deploying network-based, host-based, and hybrid systems to detect and neutralize threats.

  • Incident Response: Rapid response mechanisms for damage assessment, recovery, and continuity of operations.

• Technological Approaches:

  • Encryption and Authentication: Securing communications and data integrity in defence networks.

  • AI and Machine Learning: Enhancing threat detection and predictive analytics.

  • Secure Software Supply Chains: Implementing standards like CMMC and SBOM for defence vendors.

• Training and Awareness:

  • Educating personnel on cyber hygiene and ethical hacking to understand attack vectors.

  • Programs like West Point’s cybersecurity curriculum include offensive training for defence preparedness.

Cyber Warfare Strategies and Operations

• Defensive Operations:

  • Hunt Forward: Proactive operations to identify and neutralize threats in allied networks (e.g., US, UK, Canada).

  • Critical Infrastructure Protection: Securing power grids, communication networks, and military systems.

• Offensive Operations:

  • Defend Forward: US strategy to disrupt adversaries’ cyber operations before attacks materialize.

  • Information Warfare: Psychological operations to undermine adversaries’ credibility, as seen in the LockBit takedown.

• Case Study: LockBit Ransomware Takedown (2024):

  • Operation Cronos, a multinational effort, disrupted LockBit’s infrastructure, exposing affiliates and eroding trust among cybercriminals.

  • Demonstrates cyber persistence: Continuous engagement to degrade adversary capabilities.

India’s Cybersecurity and Cyber Warfare Framework

• Policy and Institutions:

  • National Cyber Security Policy (2013, updated 2023): Emphasizes robust cybersecurity for critical infrastructure and defence.

  • National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC): Protects critical sectors like defence and energy.

  • Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In): Coordinates cyber incident response.

  • Cyberspace Doctrine (2025): Outlines unified offensive and defensive cyber capabilities.

• Defence-Specific Initiatives:

  • Defence Cyber Agency (DCA): Integrates cyber operations across Army, Navy, and Air Force.

  • Tri-Service Cyber Command: Enhances coordination for cyber warfare.

  • AI Integration: ARCYBER’s multi-year plan to operationalize AI for cyber defence.

• Key Developments:

  • Collaboration with USCYBERCOM for joint cyber exercises and intelligence sharing.

  • Investments in indigenous cybersecurity technologies and workforce training.

• Challenges:

  • Leadership vacuums in cyber agencies delaying response capabilities.

  • Limited infrastructure and skilled personnel compared to global leaders.

  • Public-private coordination gaps in securing defence supply chains.

Global Perspective

• Key Players:

  • United States: USCYBERCOM, elevated to Unified Combatant Command, leads in cyber persistence and Defend Forward strategies.

  • China: Strategic Support Force integrates cyber warfare into military operations.

  • NATO: Recognizes cyberspace as a contested domain, invoking Article 5 for significant cyber incidents.

  • Germany: Developing DARPA-like cyber agency to bolster defence capabilities.

• International Cooperation:

  • Digital Solidarity: US promotes global coalitions for shared intelligence and defence, contrasting with digital sovereignty models.

  • Challenges: Jurisdictional issues and varying national policies complicate global response.

Ethical and Regulatory Issues

• Ethical Concerns:

  • Offensive Cyber Operations: Balancing national security with ethical use of cyber weapons.

  • Privacy vs. Security: Surveillance and data collection for defence may infringe on civil liberties.

  • Attribution: Difficulty in accurately identifying perpetrators complicates ethical retaliation.

• Regulatory Framework:

  • India: Information Technology Act (2000, amended 2008) governs cybercrimes; NCIIPC oversees critical infrastructure.

  • Global: Lack of unified international laws; efforts like the Budapest Convention aim for harmonization.

  • US: 10 USC 394 authorizes military cyber operations, including clandestine activities.

• Challenges:

  • Rapidly evolving threats outpace regulatory updates.

  • Dual-use technologies (e.g., AI) pose risks of misuse.

Recent Developments (as of 2025)

• Global:

  • NATO’s 2022 Strategic Concept emphasizes cyber persistence.

  • Increased focus on supply chain security (e.g., CMMC updates, SWFT program).

  • AI-driven cyber defence advancements by US Army Cyber Command.

• India:

  • Release of Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations by CDS Gen Anil Chauhan, enhancing warfighting concepts.

  • Strengthened US-India cyber defence collaboration, focusing on critical infrastructure protection.

• Incidents:

  • Salt Typhoon attacks highlight vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.

  • Ongoing debates on regulating AI in cyber warfare.

Cybersecurity and cyber warfare are integral to modern defence, addressing threats to critical infrastructure and enabling strategic operations. India’s evolving framework, through policies like the Cyberspace Doctrine and institutions like DCA, positions it to tackle cyber challenges, but gaps in infrastructure and coordination remain. Globally, cyber persistence and international cooperation are reshaping defence strategies. For UPSC aspirants, understanding these dynamics, coupled with ethical and regulatory considerations, is essential for addressing national security in the digital age.