What are the different elements of cyber security ? Keeping in view the challenges in Cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (250 Words 15 Marks)

Cyber security elements include network security, data protection, and incident response. India’s National Cyber Security Strategy aims for a resilient digital infrastructure, but challenges persist, including evolving cyber threats and inadequate coordination. While progress is evident, continual refinement is crucial to fortify India’s cybersecurity framework and address emerging threats effectively.

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper – 3 Mains 2022

UPSC Mains Civil Services IAS Exam Question Paper – 2022

Approach 

• Start with a brief intro of the key word “cyber security” 
• Explain the different elements of cyber security. 
• Discuss on the challenges in cyber security. 
• Discuss the Initiatives are being taken by the government to enhance cyber-security in India. 
• Way forward /conclusion. 

Introduction  

• Cybersecurity is the protection of internet-connected systems such as hardware, software and data from cyberthreats. The practice is used by individuals and enterprises to protect against unauthorised access to data centres and other computerised systems.It safeguards the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. 

Body  

The different elements of cyber security:These elements work together to establish a comprehensive cybersecurity framework, combining technology, processes, and people to safeguard information and mitigate cyber threats.  

1. Application Security: Application security involves securing software applications and systems to prevent vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. This includes secure coding practices, regular software updates and patches, and penetration testing to identify and address weaknesses in applications. 
2. Network Security: Network security focuses on protecting computer networks and their infrastructure from unauthorised access and attacks. This includes implementing firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, virtual private networks (VPNs), and network segmentation to secure network boundaries and monitor network traffic. 
3. Data Security: Data security is concerned with protecting sensitive data from unauthorised access, loss, or theft. This includes encrypting data at rest and in transit, implementing access controls and authentication mechanisms, and employing data backup and recovery strategies. 
4. Cloud Security: Cloud security deals with securing data and applications stored in cloud environments. This involves implementing access controls, encryption, and secure configuration practices, as well as carefully selecting reputable cloud service providers. 
5. Identity and Access Management (IAM): IAM involves managing and controlling user access to computer systems and data. This includes user authentication mechanisms, such as passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and role-based access control (RBAC), to ensure that only authorised individuals have access to resources. 

The challenges in cyber security:  Cybersecurity faces numerous challenges in today’s digital landscape. Some of the key challenges include: 

1. Cyber attack: It is a premeditated, politically motivated attack against information, computer systems, computer programs, and data which results in violence. 
2. Digital Data Threat: Growing online transactions have generated bigger incentives for cybercriminals. Besides, establishments looking to mine data (customer information, results of product surveys, and generic market information), they also create intellectual property that is in itself an attractive target. 
3. Security Skills Gap: The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals far outweighs the supply. Organisations struggle to find and retain talented individuals who possess the necessary skills and expertise to combat sophisticated cyber threats. This skills gap hinders the ability to effectively protect systems, analyse threats, and respond to incidents. 
4. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): APTs are long-term, targeted cyberattacks launched by skilled adversaries. APTs often involve sophisticated tactics, such as social engineering, zero-day exploits, and stealthy infiltration techniques. Detecting and mitigating APTs can be challenging as they are designed to evade traditional security measures. 
5. Lack of Coordination: Due to the existence of too many agencies with overlapping functions in the field of cyber security, coordination between these agencies is poor. 

The Initiatives are being taken by the government to enhance cyber-security in India: 

1. Information Act, 2000: The Information Act, 2000 (amended in 2008) is the primary law for dealing with cybercrime and digital commerce in India. 
2. National Cyber Security Policy, 2013: The policy provides the vision and strategic direction to protect the national cyberspace. 
3. The CERT-In (Cyber Emergency Response Team – India): CERT-In has been operational since 2004. It is the national nodal agency for responding to computer security incidents as and when they occur. 
4. Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C):The Union Government has decided to set up 14C. It will be an apex coordination centre to deal with cybercrimes. 
5. Cyber Swachhta Kendra: Launched in early 2017, the Cyber Swachhta Kendra provides a platform for users to analyse and clean their systems of various viruses, bots/ malware, Trojans, etc. 
6. Cyber Surakshit Bharat: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, launched the Cyber Surakshit Bharat initiative to spread awareness about cybercrime and building capacity for safety measures for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and frontline IT staff across all government departments. 
7. The Cyber Warrior Police Force: In 2018, the government announced its plans to introduce CWPF. It is proposed to be raised on lines of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF). 
8. Cyber-Crime Prevention against Women & Children’ Scheme:Implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the scheme aims to prevent and reduce cyber crimes against women and children. 

Conclusion 

• Hence, while India has made progress in developing a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy, there are still challenges to overcome. Continued investment, collaboration, and capacity building efforts are necessary to strengthen India’s cybersecurity posture and effectively address the evolving threat landscape. 

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