GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN CYBER SECURITY OF INDIA

In recent times, India has launched a series of cyber security initiatives to digitally empower its citizens and safeguard cyberspace. The number of cyber crime incidents has gradually multiplied in India over the last few years. As per the information collected by India’s Computer Emergency Response Team, 44,679, 49,455 and 50,362 cyber security incidents took place in India during the last 3-4 years.These incidents include phishing, website intrusions and Defacements, virus and denial of service attacks.The government is thinking to bring in new encryption and privacy  policies to take on increasing cyber security challenges. It may also amend the existing laws to make cyber- space more secure.

INITIATIVES

In the wake of growing cyber threats, India appointed its first Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). It will help India develop the discernment and schemes to overcome cybercrime more constructively.The Government of India took the first formalized step towards cyber security in the year 2013, through the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Department of Electronics and Information Technology’s National Cyber Security Policy, 2013. The Policy is aimed at building a safe and flexible cyberspace for the people, businesses and the Government. Its target is to safeguard cyberspace information and infrastructure, build potentiality to avert and respond to cyber attacks, and diminish damages through mutual efforts.

The objectives of the policy include promoting cutting edge research and development of cyber security technology and Human Resource Development through education and training programs to build capacity. Government of India’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in) in February 2017 launched ‘Cyber Swachhta Kendra’ (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre).The Cyber Swachhta Kendra is a step in the direction of creating a safe cyber ecosystem in the country as conceived under the National Cyber Security Policy in India. This centre helps to aware the users regarding infection of their devices and providing them succour to clean their systems or devices, as well as industry to detect bot infected systems.

Additionally, The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team is responsible for incident responses including analysis, forecasts and alerts on cyber- security issues and breaches.The Ministry of Home Affairs is implementing the ‘Cyber-Crime Prevention against Women & amp Children Scheme’ with the intent to prevent and reduce cybercrimes against women and children.

INTERNATIONAL TIES

Indian government has entered into cyber security collaborations with countries such as the USA, European Union and Malaysia. The U.K. has agreed to assist in developing the proposed National Cyber Crime Coordination Centre in India. However, establishing an NCCC like body would re- quire compliance and adherence to international privacy law standards.

CONCLUSION

Even after the introduction of so many initiatives by the Indian government,cyber crimes are on an all time high.The government should also make stricter laws and amend the already existing laws.Implementation of these laws should be looked after a separate committee.The Government’s measures should move parallel with the dynamic nature of cyber attacks.

Article By- Ashi Kaim

Editing By- Jasleen Kaur