Internal Security is a high-scoring module in UPSC Mains GS Paper 3. With increasing digitalization, Cyber Security has emerged as the most critical non-traditional security threat for India.
Major Cyber Security Threats
- Ransomware Attacks: Malicious software that encrypts data and demands payment for the decryption key (e.g., the AIIMS Delhi cyberattack in 2022).
- Critical Infrastructure Targeting: State-sponsored actors attacking power grids, nuclear facilities, or banking systems. (e.g., attacks on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant and Mumbai power grid outage).
- Cyber Terrorism & Radicalization: Terrorist organizations using the dark web and social media for recruitment, propaganda, and terror financing (via cryptocurrencies).
- Data Theft & Espionage: Stealing sensitive citizen data, intellectual property, or defense secrets.
India’s Institutional Framework for Cyber Security
- CERT-In (Computer Emergency Response Team – India): The nodal agency under the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) for responding to computer security incidents.
- NCIIPC (National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre): Created under the IT Act, 2000, to protect the nation’s critical information infrastructure (like energy, transport, banking).
- I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre): Under the Ministry of Home Affairs, it acts as a nodal point to fight cybercrime collaboratively.
- National Cyber Security Policy (2013): Aimed at protecting information infrastructure, reducing vulnerability, and building capabilities. (Note: A new comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy is in the draft stage).
Mains Approach: Always conclude cyber security answers with a forward-looking statement, such as the need for a robust data protection law, international cooperation (like the Budapest Convention), and capacity building at the grassroots level.
Previous Year Question (PYQ)
UPSC Mains 2017: Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it. (साइबर हमले के संभावित खतरों और इसे रोकने के लिए सुरक्षा ढांचे पर चर्चा करें।)