The proliferation of the internet and social media platforms has undeniably transformed the global landscape, enabling unprecedented connectivity and information dissemination. However, this technological advancement has also presented an alarming security concern, as non-state actors increasingly exploit these tools for subversive activities. In the recent past, numerous instances have illustrated the misuse of the Internet and social media by such entities. Cybercriminals, extremist groups, and hostile entities have leveraged these platforms to spread propaganda, coordinate illicit activities, and even recruit individuals for nefarious purposes. The ease of anonymity, rapid dissemination of information, and the ability to manipulate public opinion make these channels particularly attractive for those seeking to undermine national security. To effectively counter this threat, comprehensive guidelines must be implemented. First and foremost, robust cybersecurity measures should be established to safeguard critical infrastructure and sensitive information. Governments should collaborate with tech companies to enhance platform monitoring and content moderation capabilities. Additionally, public awareness campaigns should educate users about the risks associated with online activities and promote responsible online behavior. International cooperation is essential to address the cross-border nature of these threats, fostering information sharing and joint efforts to combat cyber threats. By integrating these guidelines, nations can collectively mitigate the misuse of the internet and social media by non-state actors, safeguarding global security in the digital age.
Tag: Challenges to internal security through communication network, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges.
Decoding the Question:
- In the Intro, try to write about Internet and Social Media.
- In Body,
- Discuss with examples recent vulnerabilities.
- Write about steps needed to be taken to counter this menace.
- Try to conclude answer with some suggestions.
Answer:
The Internet and social media provide both a tool and platform for people, institutions, and governments to connect and collaborate. However, such ability of bringing together is also being harnessed by unscrupulous non-state actors in pursuing their propaganda.The use of internet and social media has become a powerful tool in the hand of non-state actors such as terrorist organizations.
Use of the Internet by terrorist organizations such as ISIS in recruiting youth all around the world has become a reality. Cyber warfare is gaining importance due to the increasing density of the internet. The Stuxnet virus affected half of the world targeting Iran nuclear facilities.
Recent examples showing vulnerabilities of internet:
- Use of the Internet by Daesh: Daesh has been using Internet to spread its propaganda using platforms such as twitter, YouTube etc. Daesh has successfully attracted youth from various countries for their recruitment purpose. For example, several youth from India travelled to Syria for being recruited in militia.
- Radicalisation of youth: Propaganda to recruit into terror groups like AQIS, LeT, terrorist groups etc. in J&K have been intercepted by intelligence agencies. These social media sites are created on fake names and tracing them has become a tedious task.
- Financial Security Breach: Recently, details of 32 lakhs Debit cards were compromised by use of sophisticated hacks. Many organized crime groups and sympathizers of terrorist organizations are involved in stealing individual financial information.
- Bot army attack: An army of 100,000 bots was used to make a hostile attack termed “Denial of Service” on servers of Dyn, a European organization. These types of attacks are carried out by hostile neighbors or even terrorist organizations.
- Fake news over sensitive issues: Agitations by patidars in Gujarat, Jats in Haryana had seen widespread use of Internet, often playing rumours and fake news to arouse popular sentiments. Such events only compel the administration to affect Internet shutdown temporarily.
- Hacking of private accounts: Unethical hackers have in past hacked private social media accounts of famous personalities as well as common people to harass them. Even, they have been used to spread misinformation and hate triggering chaos.
Suggestions to reduce vulnerability and threat:
- India recently appointed the first Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). It will help India in developing the vision and policy to fight cybercrime and manage cyber security more effectively.
- The creation of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) would improve India’s resilience and defense system.
- Monitoring of content on the internet by intelligence agencies such as Intelligence Bureau, and RAW can prevent any attempt to radicalize youths.
- National Cyber Security Policy 2013 aims at protection of information infrastructure in cyberspace, reducing vulnerabilities. A National and sectoral 24×7 mechanism has been envisaged to deal with cyber threats through National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC)
- Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has been designated to act as Nodal agency for coordination of crisis management efforts.
The Internet and social media are the greatest technological innovation bringing people together. However, they also expose unaware and unguarded users to the anonymous unscrupulous elements seeking to gain from them. This is especially true of Indians, who lag behind considerably in digital literacy. On top of it, large socio-economic-cultural diversity and disparity in the country make them easy targets of the propaganda of miscreants. It is high time, India adopted sincere steps ensuring safe and secure cyberspace for all.
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