Showing posts with label CYBER SECURITY IN INDIA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CYBER SECURITY IN INDIA. Show all posts

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Is ICICI Online Banking System Cyber Secure?

Online banking transactions in India and electronic banking in India are in a real mess. Thanks to the defunct cyber law of India, inadequate cyber security mechanisms like encryption usages for banks, ignoring the cyber security due diligence requirements prescribed by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and many more such issues.

Naturally, online banking risks in India have increased tremendously. We have no dedicated Internet or e-banking laws in India. Further, online banking systems in India are not cyber secure. Even mobile banking in India is risky.

This position is obvious if we analyse the present trends occurring in India. For example Citigroup had recently confirmed cyber attack upon bank’s network. It is also well known that a timely and appropriate cyber due diligence could have prevented such attacks and various cyber frauds that are growing in the banking sector of India.

Now it has been reported that a proof-of-concept virus has been developed by a security professional to attack the ICICI Online banking using the Man-in-Middle / Man-in-Browser attack method. It shows what an attack can do to an online banking customer who uses ICICI online banking facility and how it can result in financial loss.

Naturally, cyber security of banks in India is not in order at all. Cyber Security Policy for Banks in India is an issue that is very important for Banks of India, says Praveen Dalal, managing partner of New Delhi base ICT law firm Perry4Law and leading cyber law expert of India. With the growing use of Internet Banking, ATM machines, Credit and Debit Cards, Online Banking, etc, Banks of India must also upgrade their Cyber Security Infrastructure and establish a Cyber Security Policy, suggests Dalal.

An integrated modern banking law for India is in pipeline and it would be a good idea to make it techno legal in nature so that it can address cyber crimes and cyber security in a more effective manner. Corporate and banking laws in India are in the process of being streamlined. RBI has even issues a notification prescribing enhanced due diligence measures for high risks customers in India. RBI is planning to boost ATM security in India. On similar lines, RBI must curb online banking crimes and frauds in India.

Banks in India need to adopt techno legal measures to prevent ATM and other similar financial frauds and cyber crimes. Further, cyber due diligence trainings for bank employees can also be beneficial in this regard. Banks must also appoint steering committees and CIOs as soon as possible.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Cyber Command And Control Authority Of India

Cyber security is an issue that has always been ignored by India. As a result, cyber security of India is in a poor condition. Cyber security is not mere formulation of policies but their actual implementation. At this level of implementation, Indian government fails miserably as it lacks the techno legal skill necessary to implement cyber security policies.

India needs skilled techno legal professionals who can implement the cyber security policy of India. As a matter of fact, till now we have no cyber security policy in India and we need to formulate a good one as soon as possible.

India must formulate effective Preventive and Offensive Cyber Capabilities to safeguard its Cyberspace and Critical Infrastructure, suggests Praveen Dalal, managing partner of New Delhi based techno legal firm Perry4Law and leading techno legal expert of India. India must develop Cyber Warfare Capabilities as soon as possible, suggests Dalal.

There is no doubt that Indian national security must have information warfare as an essential component. Taking clue from various suggestions of techno legal experts of India, the Manmohan Singh government is in the process of establishing a cyber command and control authority for India. This would be a centralised mechanism that would be placed under the National Security Adviser who reports to the PM.

This is a good step in the right direction, says Dalal. This was a much needed initiative that has, at last, got the attention of Indian Government. The only thing that remains to be seen is how effectively this initiative would be handled by Indian Government, says Dalal. Let us see how the National Security Adviser would proceed with this initiative.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Computer Security In India

Computer security is no more a luxury but an absolute necessity. In the present era, information and data is of extreme importance and value. We cannot allow strategic, sensitive, commercial and crucial data to be lost or stolen by cyber criminals.

From mere pranks, hobby and boasting, cyber crime has been transformed into a white collor and organised crime. Crime syndicates are actively engaging in identity theft, information stealing, data theft and so on. With the borderless and transborder nature of the crime, cyber crime is very difficult to pursue.

We have no computer security policy of India and we need one urgently. India has already been a victim of cyber attacks, cracking, cyber espionage, website defacements, etc and its cyberspace is highly vulnerable. India is facing a growing threat of cyber attacks and cyber crimes. In such circumstances, enacting strong cyber laws and establishing effective and robust cyber security is required.

National Security Policy of India is urgently required and Computer Security Policy of India must be an essential part of the same, says Praveen Dalal, managing partner of New Delhi based Law Firm Perry4Law and leading techno legal expert of India. Increasing Computer Security Readiness with Adaptive Threat Management is need of the hour, suggests Dalal. Further, Measurement of ICT Resilience and Robustness on regular basis is also required, suggests Dalal.

Further, another factor that is responsible for low level of computer security in India is that computer security research and development in India is lacking. We have a single and exclusive techno legal computer security research, training and education institution of India. The same is managed by Perry4Law and Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB). It is managing issues like cyber law, computer security, cyber war, cyber espionage, cyber forensics, etc.

So on the fronts of policy formulation, legislation making and computer security awareness, India needs to take some immediate steps. The present indifferent attitude of Indian government and Parliament of India is doing no good to Indian cyberspace. I hope some concrete actions would be taken by Indian government in these directions as soon as possible.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Cyber Security Training In India

Cyber security is a highly complicated and very remunerative profession. It requires tremendous knowledge about computers, networks, computing principles and many more complex aspects.

These days every discipline has become attached to one or more other disciplines. Cyber security has also been clubbed with legal framework world over. Cyber security has essentially become techno legal in nature where it has to cater the requirements of both law and computer science.

However, there are very few techno legal institutions that can provide techno legal cyber security training and education. For instance, we have a single techno legal cyber security research, training and education centre in India. It is managed by Perry4Law and Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB). We need more such techno legal cyber security institutions in India.

PTLB and Perry4Law are providing cyber security training and education in India through their online platform. The platform also provides training regarding cyber law, cyber forensics, e-courts, etc.

Overall, the position of cyber security is not very good in India. This is mainly attributable to the absence of cyber security policy in India. In the absence of cyber security policy in India, not much attention is given to cyber security research, education and training in India.

Indian government must not only spread cyber law and cyber security awareness in India but must also work in the direction of strengthening the overall position of cyber security in India.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Encryption Laws In India

Encryption is a mechanism through which the privacy, integrity and security of a communication or electronic transaction is ensured. Encryption strength is measured in terms of bits and the more bits are there the stronger is the encryption methodology used.

Encryption is an essential aspect of cyber security and secure e-commerce transactions. Despite the pressing requirements of formulating encryption laws in India, India has failed to do. Till now encryption standards and norms in India are missing.

In fact, the recent developments in India in this regard are counter production and are going in the wrong direction. For instance, in the urge to have Internet kill switch in India the government and security agencies of India are missing the real point. The truth is that e-surveillance can never be a substitute for sound and effective cyber security capabilities.

According to Praveen Dalal, the leading Techno-Legal Expert of India and Managing Partner of Perry4Law, the Information Technology Amendment Act 2008 (IT Act 2008) incorporated a single provision in the form of Section 84A for Encryption Purposes. Although the provision became applicable since 27th October 2009 yet Indian Government has slept over the issue, says Dalal. Indian Government must urgently formulate a Dedicated Encryption Policy of India, suggests Dalal.

Encryption laws and regulations in India are need of the hour. The sooner they are enacted the better it would be for the cyber security and national security of India.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Cyber Security In India Is Needed To Defeat E-Surveillance

As more and more public services are attached to information and communication (ICT) technology, their security becomes of paramount importance. In India there is very little research, training and education in the field of cyber security. Further, even lesser is research and training regarding techno legal issues.

So much so that India has just a single techno legal cyber security research, training and education centre (CSRCI). The same is managed by Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB) and it is providing research, training, education, policy making etc in the crucial field of cyber security in India.

It is also maintaining a world class cyber security software repository that is unique in the world. The repository carries both technical as well as legal resources and software.

India has been facing cyber threats from cyber criminals, cyber espionage groups, cyber war groups, cyber terrorists, etc. Even the homeland security of India needs rejuvenation. Indian departments and strategic computer systems have been under constant threats from adjacent countries. Many sensitive documents have also been stolen through hacking the crucial computer systems in India.

Even the cyber law of India is a very weak piece of legislation with no deterrent effect. When cyber crimes like hacking have been made bailable nothing can make such a law a deterrent for committed cyber criminals.

In the name of national security and cyber security, the Home Ministry is taking absurd decisions like banning Blackberry, Gmail, Skype, etc. Further, illegal and unconstitutional projects like CCTNS, Natgrid, Aadhar project, etc have been also pushed for the sole purpose of enhancing the illegal and unaccountable e-surveillance powers of Indian government and its agencies.

The truth is that authorities like unique identification authority of India (UIDAI) and projects like CCTNS, Natgrid, Aadhar, etc are violative of civil liberties and fundamental rights of Indians. The worst affected are the privacy rights in India that have simply been compromised for the façade of security. It is high time for Indians to reclaim their human rights before it is too late.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Homeland Security In India

Homeland security is an important aspect of India’s internal security. India is increasingly facing issues like cyber crimes, cyber terrorism, cyber security breaches, cyber warfare, cyber espionage, etc. This is the main reason why we are considering establishment of cyber warfare capabilities in India.

Further, lawful e-surveillance capabilities are also assuming importance these days in India due to growing concerns of civil liberties in cyberspace. If the e-surveillance conducted by the Indian government and its agencies is beyond what is approved by the laws of India and Indian Constitution, the same may be challenged before a court of law.

Similarly, private individuals are also engaging in e-surveillance with over the shelf hardware and software. This has seriously breached the privacy rights of Indian citizens.

Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB) is the exclusive techno legal institution of India. It has been providing techno legal research, training, education and policy making in the fields like cyber law, cyber security, cyber forensics, cyber war, cyber espionage, corporate espionage, cyber terrorism, CCTNS, Natgrid, NCTC, etc.

It is also providing best practices in homeland security, techno legal solutions against cyber terrorism, best practices for securing networks from cyber attacks, best practices for cyber security, best practices for cyber forensics, etc. It has also suggested for the formulation of a centralised ICT control system of law enforcement and intelligence agencies in India.

India must keep in mind that homeland security is techno legal in nature rather than purely technical or purely legal. The present schemes and projects of India are not appreciating this vital requirement and India must remove this irregularity as soon as possible.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Resource Centre For Cyber Forensics In India By PTLB

Cyber forensics is a highly specialised field that requires sound practical training. India is at the infancy stage of acquiring good cyber forensics capabilities. Cyber forensics is both technical and legal field and absence of either would not serve the purpose.

In India Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB) is managing the exclusive techno legal cyber forensics research, training and educational centre of India. PTLB is providing cyber forensics training courses in India. It is also providing cyber law and other techno legal allied courses and trainings including cyber security trainings. All these trainings and educational courses are provided through an online platform of PTLB.

In order to provide more effective and practical trainings to its trainees, PTLB has introduced a cyber forensics repository. The repository is a collection of the best cyber forensics software and tools.

It would be made available to cyber law, cyber security and cyber forensics trainees at the final stage of their trainings. These trainees would then be provided practical cyber forensics application training by PTLB.

The repository is also the exclusive techno legal cyber forensics repository that would serve the purposes of law enforcement, prosecution and defence lawyers, judges, governmental departments, etc.

If you wish to seek a good techno legal career in cyber law, cyber security, cyber forensics, etc fields, consider enrolling at PTLB as soon as possible.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Cyber Law Of India Is Cyber Criminals Friendly

Cyber law of India is incorporated in the information technology act 2000 (IT Act 2000). It was amended through information technology amendment act 2008 (IT Act 2008) and from here started the real problem.

The retrograde amendment in the cyber law of India was the first step in the direction of inducing complete cyber anarchy in India. A good account of this cyber anarchy has been provided by Praveen Dalal, managing partner of Perry4Law and the leading techno legal expert of India.

The amended cyber law also made almost all the cyber crimes and cyber contraventions “bailable” thus making India a safe heaven for cyber criminals all over the world. Cyber crimes in India are increasing at an alarming rate due to this careless attitude of Indian government.

The cyber law of India carries many loopholes and has many lacunas. Cyber stalking is one such lacuna that must be addressed as soon as possible. Children and juveniles are especially vulnerable to cyber stalking and many times this stalking process result in committing of suicide by them.

A good initiative for protection of children in cyberspace has been launched by the HRPIC initiative spearheaded by Praveen Dalal. Similarly, to make the Indian cyber space more secure and robust, cyber security and cyber forensics initiatives have also been undertaken by Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB) and Perry4Law.

The ultimate call is for the Parliament of India to take that is escaping from its responsibilities towards Indians cyberspace either due to purpose and design or out of sheer lack of information technology related knowledge.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Best Techno Legal Firm Of The World

These days technology has involved almost all segments of life. This equally applies to legal sector as well. However, legal sector at large is not yet prepared for the technology aspect. That is why there are very few law firms that provide legal services in technology fields. This is more so in India where technology related aspects still haunts law firms, lawyers, judges and police officers. This has also force law firms in India and abroad to tie up with technical firms to fill the vacuum.

Whereas other law firms are collaborating with technical firms as they do not possess technical knowledge, Perry4Law is one of the best cyber law, cyber security and cyber forensics firms of the world. Perry4Law is also the exclusive techno legal firm of the world in true sense. It highly specialised techno legal segment known as Perry4Law Techno Legal Base (PTLB) is world renowned.

It has a distinct advantage over other law firms since it possesses highly specialised techno legal expertise on its own rather than depending upon some other technical firm. Obviously, a firm that understand and deals with both technical as well as legal aspects of international standards would perform better than its rivals.

Some of the areas that Perry4Law deals are cyber law, cyber security, cyber forensics, cyber espionage, corporate espionage, cyber warfare, cyber terrorism, digital evidencing, e-discovery, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), online dispute resolution (ODR), etc.

In future other law firms of India and abroad may also follow the path shown by Perry4Law and PTLB. Meanwhile, there is an urgent need of good techno legal training of police officers, lawyers, judges, etc.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Preventive And Offensive Cyberspace Capabilities Of India

India is in the process of establishing cyber war capabilities. This is a good step in the right direction as of late India has been under constant attack through cyberspace.

However, as usual India has taken almost five years to implement the suggestions of Praveen Dalal in this regard. He had suggested use of preventive and offensive defence for cyberspace violations and provided the exclusive techno legal framework for India more than five years ago.

According to Praveen Dalal, Managing Partner of Perry4Law and CEO of the cyber security research, training and educational institution of India (CSRTCI), India has been very slow in adopting both defensive as well as offensive cyber security measures. Whether it is critical ICT infrastructure protection or cyber security of defence forces of India, neither are in order till now, says Dalal. At last India has shown some sensitivity to the preventive and offensive capabilities in cyberspace that has been suggested by us more than five years ago, informs Dalal.

The outline though has been formulated yet it is an altogether different game to execute it. The proposed initiative would require many complex concepts like human rights protection in cyberspace (HRPIC), technical framework, legal framework, etc. The real challenge would be to formulate a techno legal framework that is presently missing in India.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Cyber Security In India Needs Rejuvenation

Cyber security in India needs good political, public and policy support. Issues like cyber law, cyber terrorism, cyber crimes, cyber espionage, cyber war, etc have been long neglected by India. This is detrimental to national security of India and internal security of India.

Strategic information plays a crucial role in launching an attack as well as preventing the same. Similarly, sensitive information in the hands of enemy, cyber terrorists, etc may also not be good for India.

Critical ICT infrastructure protection (CIIP) in India also necessitates that India must pay enough attention to cyber security issues. The Home Ministry, India is stressing too much upon issues like diluting encryption standards of Blackberry, a product of research in motion, e-surveillance of e-mails, telephone tapping capabilities, national intelligence grid (Natgrid), etc.

All these projects would prove to be landmines for India in the absence of proper laws and effective cyber security. Take the example of unique identification project of India (UID Project of India) or Aadhar project of India. It is managed by Nandan Nilekani as the chairman of unique identification authority of India (UIDAI). It would collect crucial biometric information and other details of Indians without any law that protects it from illegal data thefts, privacy breaches, etc. If such a crucial database is targeted by cyber criminals, much worst can happen.

According to Praveen Dalal, CEO of the exclusive techno legal cyber security research and training centre of India (CSRTCI) and managing partner of Perry4Law, India is not yet prepared for cyber threats. In fact, projects like Aadhar, Natgrid, CCTNS, etc are going to create more trouble than solution in the absence of proper laws and effective cyber security, says Dalal.

It seems India has misplaced its priorities and is engaging in unproductive and unconstitutional projects that are neither viable nor legal. Indian government must address these issues as soon as possible in the larger interest of India.

Cyber Terrorism In India Is A Big Security Threat

Cyber terrorism in India is no more a fictional idea but is a reality. Although there is no clear cut definition of cyber terrorism yet use of information and communication technology (ICT) by terrorists is beyond any dispute or doubt.

India has been consistently lax regarding enacting strong cyber laws and ensuring good cyber security. As a result crucial governmental computer systems have been targeted by cyber criminals throughout the world. Many sensitive documents have been stolen in this manner but India has not taken enough steps to either strengthen its cyber law or effectuating its cyber security.

As a result cyber crimes in India are increasing at an alarming rate. Even the information technology act 2000 of India carries a single provision regarding cyber terrorism. It is surprising how such a crucial issue has been so indifferently dealt with by Indian government by a single provision.

A special attention must be given to cyber security of defence forces installations as they usually carry sensitive information. These installations must be frequently tested for cyber security breaches as compared to other normal and civil computer systems.

India need to gather popular public support as well as the political will to meet the objectives of cyber security and to prevent cyber terrorism and cyber attacks. Cyber security is a collective responsibility and India as a whole must address this issue with a sound cyber security policy.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Cyber Crimes Are Increasing In India

Cyber crimes in India are increasing at an alarming rate and Indian government and department of information technology (DIT), India are doing nothing in this regard. In fact, the DIT proposed very weak, ineffective and counter productive amendments to the already weak cyber law of India in the past.

The information technology amendment act 2008 (IT Act 2008) amended the information technology act 2000 (IT Act 2000) and made it a base for committing various cyber crimes openly.

According to Praveen Dalal, the leading techno legal experts of India, India has been experiencing an increase in cyber crimes like hacking, spamming, phishing, etc due to many factors. The first and foremost factor among them is the lack of an effective and stringent cyber crime law in India.

The cyber law in India is not effective instead it is counterproductive. India is the only country in the world that has the provision of bail in cyber crime cases. It means even if a person commits cyber crimes like phishing, hacking or any similar cyber crime or contravention and is somehow caught by the Police force, he would be released on bail as a matter of right. This provision of cyber crime has made India a safe place for cyber criminals, warn Dalal.

Besides, there is a lack of adequate cyber forensics and cyber security capabilities in India that helps in the growth of cyber crimes. Irrespective what the government of India and DIT say, the position is really worrisome.

Time has come for the Indian government to amend the IT Act 2000 so that cyber criminals can not only be caught by the police but also get severe punishment.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Cyber Security Policy Of India

By
V.K.Singh
Cyber security in India has not received the attention of Indian policy makers. As a result India has witnessed many sophisticated cyber security attacks against its computer systems operating at crucial departments and places from time to time. Even the terrorists are using technology to further their nefarious objectives in India. The problem is that Indian government, like any other government, is not capable of tackling cyber security issues single handedly. It needs private sector support to achieve this task.

According to Praveen Dalal, Managing Partner of the exclusive techno-legal cyber security research and training centre of India (CSRTCI), cyber security in India needs an urgent rejuvenation. He informs that till now Indian government has not thought it fit to consider cyber security as a part of National Policy.

It is obvious that India is finding it difficult to gather necessary cyber security expertise and this is resulting in a weak cyber security. Fortunately, private initiatives like CSRTCI are bridging the much needed gap of cyber security in India. The centre is providing techno-legal solutions for areas like cyber law, cyber security, cyber forensics, cyber terrorism, cyber espionage, critical ICT infrastructure protection, cyber war, etc. It is also providing techno-legal solutions for Indian projects like CCTNS, Natgrid, NCTC, etc.

CSRTCI also maintains a “repository” of software and tools for areas like cyber security, cyber forensics, penetration testing, malware analysis, encryption, stegnography, etc. It also maintains a rich techno-legal literature, articles, databases, etc for ready reference.

However, the most important and crucial achievement of the CSRTCI is that it has an “Exclusive Techno-Legal Repository” of software and research literature. It also has expertise for “aggressive defence” and human rights protection in cyberspace. In short, it is a single place destination for the techno-legal cyber security and allied fields.

The government of India and private sector of India must concentrate upon cyber security as soon as possible. Further, there is an emergent need to make proper amendments in the otherwise impotent, weak and ineffective cyber law of India. The increasing cyber crimes in India is also attributable to the “welcoming law” of India incorporated in the information technology act 2000 that instead of deterring the cyber criminals is in fact encouraging them to indulge in cyber crimes.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Techno-Legal Cyber Security Centre Of India

Cyber security in India must be a part of national policy making, says Praveen Dalal founder of cyber security centre of India.

Cyber security is an area that requires immediate attention by Indian government. Till now there is a dearth of cyber security professionals in India. The position is even worst when it comes to techno-legal cyber security expertise.

The result is very obvious. The Parliament of India is unable to incorporate the cyber security requirements in the Indian laws in the absence of techno-legal expertise. Thanks to the first and exclusive techno-legal cyber security centre of India now the Parliament of India can enact suitable techno-legal cyber security related provisions. Founded by Praveen Dalal, the leading techno-legal expert of India, it is the most comprehensive as well as holistic cyber security imitative of India.

The cyber security centre is covering areas like cyber war, cyber terrorism, cyber espionage, critical ICT infrastructure protection (CIIP), cyber forensics, etc. Till now this sort of initiative is not only unique in India but also carried out by very few individuals or organisations.

SOURCE: CIO

Monday, April 26, 2010

India Needs An Improved Cyber Security

Cyber security is an area that cannot be ignored by any technology driven society. The importance of cyber security has been felt in India though after many security breaches. However, the government has still not done the needful in this regard. As a result Indian cyberspace and government computer systems are still vulnerable to cyber attacks.

The first and foremost problem with the Indian cyber jurisprudence is a weak and ineffective cyber law. India has enacted information technology act 2000 (IT Act 2000) as the sole cyber law of India. The same was amended by the information technology act 2008 (IT Act 2008). The IT Act 2008 made almost all cyber crimes bailable. Now the cyber criminals have no deterrent that can prevent them from committing cyber crimes in India.

The problem has been further complicated due to absence of cyber security in India. The cyber criminals can attack Indian computer systems remotely without and fear and hesitation. This is so because firstly they would not be caught in the absence of cyber security and cyber forensics capabilities. Even if they are somehow magically caught, they have to be set free due to the weak cyber law of India.

India must not only enact strong cyber law but must also make its cyber security more robust.

SOURCE: CIO

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Defence Forces Of India Require Techno-Legal Cyber Security

Cyber Security is one of the evolving fields in India. The only techno-legal cyber security research centre in India is being managed by Perry4Law. The country needs to lay down a crises management policy and a sound strategy regarding cyber security.

This subject has always been alien in the Indian scenario. The cyber security is important not only to keep the cyberspace of the country free from attacks but also keep the boundaries of the country intact. Crucial information of the country can be hijacked at times of crises. Imagine the entire banking system collapsing in times of war.

A sound cyber security policy is required to protect various types of business and the general public. The introduction of wireless communications has further complicated the spectrum. The terrorists have already managed to successfully use wireless communications to their advantage.

Recently it had been reported that Chinese hackers had successfully managed to penetrate one of the forward headquarters of the Army. The defence forces need to upgrade cyber security capabilities to meet any contingency.

SOURCE: NEWSLINE 365

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Cyber Security Of India Is In Poor State

India urgently needs techno-legal cyber security. Perry4Law is managing the exclusive techno-legal cyber security research, training and educational centre in India. India must urgently come up with good crisis management policy and strategy regarding cyber security.

In recent times cyber security has taken a centre stage all over the world. This is due to the fact that networks all over the world are interconnected through Internet. The vulnerability in the networked systems can prove fatal in various circumstances. Recently, it was alleged that China broke into Indian computer systems and compromised crucial data and information of secret and confidential nature.

There is an emergent need for strengthening cyber security of India. However, till now the government of India has not taken cyber security seriously. India needs a dedicated cyber security research and training centre at the national level. Although there are few good cyber security initiatives in India, yet Indian government must take the initiative and work in this direction.

Another aspect that has to be kept in mind is the enactment of strong and efficient cyber laws in India. Although Indian has enacted information technology act 2000 (IT Act 2000) yet it is far from perfect. The recent amendments in the same have made almost all the cyber crimes bailable. According to Praveen Dalal, the leading techno-legal expert of India, by making the offences and cyber crimes “bailable” India has made its cyberspace a “free zone” and “safe heaven” for cyber criminals and cyber offenders. It seems the problems of Indian cyber security are multi facet in nature. We do not have sufficient laws, we lack proper strategies and policies, and we do not care much about cyber security, says Praveen Dalal.

India must urgently train its government officials holding crucial posts and departments, law enforcement officials, judges, lawyers, etc. In the absence of sufficient training, we may risk crucial information leaking out of governmental computers and departments. The sooner we take cyber security seriously the better it would be for the national interest of India.

SOURCE: MERINEWS

Friday, April 16, 2010

Indian Cyber Security Must Be Strengthened

In recent times cyber security has taken a centre stage all over the world. This is due to the fact that networks all over the world are interconnected through Internet. The vulnerability in the networked systems can prove fatal in various circumstances. Recently, it was alleged that China broke into Indian computer systems and compromised crucial data and information of secret and confidential nature.

There is an emergent need for strengthening cyber security of India. However, till now the government of India has not taken cyber security seriously. India needs a dedicated cyber security research and training centre at the national level. Although there are few good cyber security initiatives in India, yet Indian government must take the initiative and work in this direction.

Another aspect that has to be kept in mind is the enactment of strong and efficient cyber laws in India. Although Indian has enacted information technology act 2000 (IT Act 2000) yet it is far from perfect. The recent amendments in the same have made almost all the cyber crimes bailable. According to Praveen Dalal, the leading techno-legal expert of India, by making the offences and cyber crimes “bailable” India has made its cyberspace a “free zone” and “safe heaven” for cyber criminals and cyber offenders. It seems the problems of Indian cyber security are multi facet in nature. We do not have sufficient laws, we lack proper strategies and policies, and we do not care much about cyber security, says Praveen Dalal.

India must urgently train its government officials holding crucial posts and departments, law enforcement officials, judges, lawyers, etc. In the absence of sufficient training, we may risk crucial information leaking out of governmental computers and departments. The sooner we take cyber security seriously the better it would be for the national interest of India.

SOURCE: CIO