Wireless Insecurity In India

The wireless networks are increasingly used in India. On the one hand we have the convenience of using wireless networks whereas on the other hand they are prone to hacking and other cyber crimes making them the premier crime perpetuation platform. The Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act, 2000) is the exclusive cyber law of India and it is silent on this aspect. We are also witnessing an increased use of insecure wireless networks for sending mails either before or after the terrorist attacks in India.

The problem of wireless hacking is repeatedly brought to the public notice but still most of the wireless connections are insecure in India. The terrorists have targeted the wireless networks of Mumbai State and most of the terrorist mails are coming from such hacked wireless systems. We must secure our wireless networks on the one hand and adopt sound and stringent Crisis Management Strategies against terrorism in India on the other hand. All these problems have failed the Indian e-governance initiatives.

Even if the Government of India (GOI) is able to remove all the vices hindering the Indian e-governance initiatives, a bigger problem is waiting for India. India is notoriously infamous for weak cyber law, inadequate cyber security and absent cyber forensics capabilities. The moment we provide Internet access to crores of Indian, a major “Cyber Security Fiasco” would engulf India. India is not at all prepared on the front of securing its e-governance base.

India needs good legal framework for technology, sound cyber security and effective cyber forensics expertise. The fill in gaps actions would only ridicule India in front of the entire world. It would be better if India come up with good ICT strategies and policies that are not only sensible but also possible to be implemented.