Cyber Terrorism In India And Its Preparedness

Cyber terrorism in India is no more a new concept. India has been facing constant cyber security attacks. Further, cyber terrorism attacks are also common in Indian cyberspace though their execution and detection is by and large unnoticeable and undetected in India.

Cyber terrorism is becoming a big nuisance for India and India has to be technologically as well as legally sound to tackle the same. There is an emergent need to amend the cyber law of India, i.e. Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act, 2000) in this regard as a single provision is not sufficient as per the cyber law experts.

Even there is no national ICT crisis management plan of India that is addressing the menace of cyber terrorism in India. The critical infrastructure of India has become vulnerable due to inadequate cyber security. This vulnerability can not only be exploited by cyber criminals but also be the cyber terrorists.

Securing the critical national infrastructure of India from cyber attacks should be a priority area for India. This requires formulating a cyber security policy of India that is presently missing. Without a cyber security policy and strategy of India, the cyber security initiatives of India are directionless.

Even there is no legal framework for cyber security in India. By incorporating a few ineffective and irrelevant provisions in the IT Act 2000, Indian government thinks that it has the cyber security law in India.

In fact, cyber terrorism preparedness must be an essential part of the homeland security of India. Homeland security of India must be strengthened and in order to do so we must take care of issues like cyber law, cyber security, cyber espionage, cyber terrorism, cyber warfare, etc.

Homeland Security is in infancy stage in India, says Praveen Dalal, Managing Partner of Perry4Law and leading techno legal expert of India. Further, India also needs a separate Framework for Cyber Security, Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP), Cyber Terrorism, Cyber Warfare, Homeland Security issues, etc suggest Praveen Dalal.

Clearly, India has not yet taken enough initiatives to tackle the menace of cyber terrorism. Lack of legislative skills seems to be the main reason why India is running short of good and effective cyber legislations.

India must urgently enact a suitable cyber security policy and homeland security that clearly demarcates its preparedness to deal with growing menace of cyber attacks and cyber terrorism activities against India.

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.

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.

Centre On Cyber Terrorism In India

One issue that has not received proper attention of the government of India (GOI) pertains to cyber terrorism in India. The governmental machinery is slow and almost ineffective in resolving techno-legal issues. The initiative has once again been taken by Perry4Law and it has launched a techno-legal research, training and educational centre on Cyber Terrorism in India. The centre would provide techno-legal policies, strategies, tools, methodologies, legal framework and many more important services in this regard.

Indian National Security And Information Warfare

Recently it was reported that Chinese crackers have compromised many top secret military files of Indian defence ministry and embassies around the world. Cyber security is very important to protect businesses, governments and general public at large. The same must be a part of the national policy of a nation. Another crucial aspect related to a secure and strong cyber security in India pertains to critical ICT infrastructure protection in India. Critical infrastructure is becoming increasingly dependent upon ICT these days. If we are unable to secure an ICT system we are also risking critical ICT infrastructure as well. India must do something as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Information Warfare and Cyber Terrorism are issues that cannot be taken lightly by any country. From these threats emerge the necessity of having a robust cyber security for defense forces in India. These issues are important as they strike at the very root of the critical ICT infrastructure protection in India. However, India is not doing the needful in this regard. Cyber War Capabilities should be an Integral Part of Indian National Defense and Security says India’s leading Techno-Legal Expert Praveen Dalal.

Today countries all over the World are actively engaged in some form or other of Cyber war/Information warfare. For instance, the US Air Force has had Information Warfare Squadrons since the 1980s. In fact, the official mission of the US Air Force is now, "To provide sovereign options for the defense of the United States and its global interests. To fly and fight in Air, Space, and Cyberspace", with the latter referring to its Information Warfare role.

As the Air Force often risks aircraft and aircrews to attack strategic enemy communications targets, remotely disabling such targets using software and other means can provide a safer alternative. In addition, disabling such networks electronically (instead of explosively) also allows them to be quickly re-enabled after the enemy territory is occupied. Similarly, counter information warfare units are employed to deny such capability to the enemy. The first application of these techniques was used against Iraqi communications networks in the first Gulf War.

Also during the 1991 Gulf War, Dutch hackers stole information about U.S. troop movements from U.S. Defense Department computers and tried to sell it to the Iraqis, who thought it was a hoax and turned it down. In January 1999, U.S. Air Intelligence computers were hit by a coordinated attack, part of which appeared to come from Israeli and French hacking. These are some of the examples how Internet is becoming an essential part of modern warfare.

According to Praveen Dalal, Managing Partner of Perry4Law and the leading Techno-Legal Expert of India, “India needs a sophisticated and robust technological command centre to defend its global network of computer systems. It must develop both offensive and defensive capabilities under one roof. Strategic information and tactical inputs are essential part of modern warfare that can be lost or gained through Cyber war methods”.

There is no doubt that India needs good cyber war capabilities to meet the growing threats of information warfare. It would be a good idea to have a “Centralised ICT Command Center” in this regard as suggested by Perry4Law for intelligence agencies of India.

SOURCE: ITVOIR

Best Cyber Forensics Training, Techno-Legal Consultancy And Litigation Support Provider In India

Cyber Forensics is a very recent scientific development and countries all over the World are struggling hard to incorporate the same in their respective legal and judicial systems. Cyber forensics is also a part of legal enablement of ICT system that essentially creates a legal framework incorporating the prerequisites of cyber forensics.

Cyber Forensics is an important field of criminal investigation. However, it requires a sound expertise to be practiced. In India we have very few experts who can provide cyber forensics services in an appropriate manner. Presently, India does not possess the required capabilities and law enforcement machinery finds it really difficult to deal with modern cyber crimes.

As per Praveen Dalal, Managing Partner of Perry4Law and the leading Techno-Legal Expert of India, “Computer Forensics or Cyber Forensics in India has started gaining importance out of the necessity to deal with growing cyber crimes. Though India has taken some steps in the direction of enacting Information and Communication Technology (ICT) related law in the form of Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act, 2000), yet by and large it failed to provide a sound and secure law in this crucial direction. The result is too obvious. India has to depend upon foreign experts and institutions/universities for cyber forensics tasks”.

In the absence of governmental efforts in this regard, world renowned techno-legal firms like Perry4Law can be really helpful in fighting cyber crimes in India. Issues pertaining to hacking, data thefts, data security, cyber terrorism, financial frauds, privacy violations, etc must not be taken as lightly as has been done by India.

Perry4Law possesses techno-legal expertise for cyber law, cyber forensics, cyber security training, consultancy and solutions providing to various stakeholders. Perry4Law Techno-Legal Base (PTLB) is India’s first and most prominent techno-legal initiative that is providing techno-legal training to various players. It is also acting as India’s first and most effective Resource Centre for Cyber Forensics (RCCF) and cyber forensics software testing platform.

Perry4Law and PTLB provides techno-legal services in the fields like cyber law, cyber forensics, crime and criminal tracking network and systems (CCTNS), techno-legal training to police officers, lawyers and judges, national mission for delivery of justice and legal reforms (NMDJLR), etc.

The government of India must also take immediate steps to acquire indigenous capabilities at the national level. With the growing threats of cyber terrorism and cyber warfare, India should not be as complacent as it is.

Cyber Security Of India

Policy making requires tremendous insight and far sightedness. The same is missing in India, at least regarding the areas of cyber law and cyber security. On the one hand India has a weak and criminal friendly cyber law whereas on the other hand it does not possess tech-savvy law enforcement machinery. Even lawyers and judges are not that much aware about the nitty-gritty of cyber laws.

This fact is evident from various decisions taken from time to time by various departments of Indian government. Whether it is the home ministry banning the use of Internet or chief justice of India recommending banning of pornography and hate sites or removing of bank account details from the sites none is appreciating the true requirement of Indian cyber law.

The fact remains that India is confused and is taking wrong decisions and is investing on the futile projects. For instance, blocking of a website can be simply bypassed by using proxy servers. Similarly, “phishing” is more dangerous and requires more stringent actions then merely removing the bank account details, enhancing cyber security of various government departments is more effective then banning the use of Internet, etc.

If this was not enough, India did what no nations would dare to do so. It made almost all the cyber crimes “bailable”. India has made its cyberspace a “free zone” and “safe heaven” for cyber criminals and cyber offenders. By succumbing to “industrial lobbying” the government of India has done great damage to the national security of India and cyber security of India.

According to the ICT Trends in India 2009 by Perry4Law, Indian efforts for streamlining use of ICT have further degraded from 2008. The year 2009 saw some major ICT pitfalls and bad decisions were made by the Indian government. Overall the year 2009 can be said to be “Blunder ICT Year” of India.

With these negative developments incessantly happening in India, not much can be expected from Indian government. However, a new ray of hope has been shown by law minister of India by stressing upon separate and effective laws to tackle cyber crimes in India. Only time would tell whether it is another “press statement” or India would be able to tackle the nuisance of cyber crimes.

Similarly, efforts must be made to strengthen cyber security of India especially keeping in mind the growing dangers of “cyber terrorism” and “cyber war” that India is facing. Even cyber security for defence forces of India must be streamlined. However, nothing is more pressing than safeguarding the critical ICT infrastructure of India. Since the legislature in India is almost an extension of executive branch, the political will of the executive must be gathered. Some constructive steps must be urgently taken for ensuring strong cyber law and effective cyber security in India as soon as possible.

AUTHOR: GUNJAN SINGH

SOURCE: GROUND REPORT

Cyber Security Initiatives Of Home Ministry Of India Are Insufficient

Cyber security in India has always remained an “ignored world” and the same must be strengthened as soon as possible. India is also suffering from the menaces of cyber war and cyber terrorism. Nobody cares about any of these threats in India. In April 2008, Indian intelligence agencies detected Chinese hackers breaking into the computer network of the Ministry of External Affairs. Similarly, for about 3 months the e-mail communications from PMO got affected as the e-mail system was affected by a virus program. With the highest offices of India being so indifferent and adopting wrong cyber security strategies not much can be expected in this crucial direction in future as well.

Recently it was reported that the Chinese intelligence agencies may have planted computer malware and broken into the headquarters of 33 Corps, the army formation looking after most of the north-eastern border with China. The break-in included the planting of trojan viruses which may have given Chinese operatives remote access to the computer network at the 33 Corps headquarters in Sukhna, near Siliguri, West Bengal.

The Union Home Ministry is considering the option to ban the use of Internet by the lower rank staff up to section officers. Many computers of the Home Ministry were found infected with different kinds of computer viruses. However, does this step increase the cyber security of Indian offices?

According to Praveen Dalal, Managing Partner of Perry4Law and the leading Techno-Legal Expert of India, “Home Ministry is barking the wrong tree as security through obscurity and non-access in itself and without further steps is a bad choice. The Government of India must concentrate upon “Capacity Development” of not only its employees but also its core Departments and Offices”.

Another crucial aspect related to a secure and strong cyber security in India pertains to critical ICT infrastructure protection in India. Critical infrastructure is becoming increasingly dependent upon ICT these days. If we are unable to secure an ICT system we are also risking critical ICT infrastructure as well, says Praveen Dalal.

Indian government must concentrate upon many crucial aspects of cyber security. The task is difficult and time consuming hence it must start seeking the help of the right and capable manpower as soon as possible.

SOURCE: ITVOIR

Indian National Security Needs Information Warfare Capabilities

Information Warfare and Cyber Terrorism are issues that cannot be taken lightly by any country. From these threats emerge the necessity of having a robust cyber security for defense forces in India. These issues are important as they strike at the very root of the critical ICT infrastructure protection in India. However, India is not doing the needful in this regard. Cyber War Capabilities should be an Integral Part of Indian National Defense and Security says India’s leading Techno-Legal Expert Praveen Dalal.

Today countries all over the World are actively engaged in some form or other of Cyber war/Information warfare. For instance, the US Air Force has had Information Warfare Squadrons since the 1980s. In fact, the official mission of the US Air Force is now, "To provide sovereign options for the defense of the United States and its global interests. To fly and fight in Air, Space, and Cyberspace", with the latter referring to its Information Warfare role.

As the Air Force often risks aircraft and aircrews to attack strategic enemy communications targets, remotely disabling such targets using software and other means can provide a safer alternative. In addition, disabling such networks electronically (instead of explosively) also allows them to be quickly re-enabled after the enemy territory is occupied. Similarly, counter information warfare units are employed to deny such capability to the enemy. The first application of these techniques was used against Iraqi communications networks in the first Gulf War.

Also during the 1991 Gulf War, Dutch hackers stole information about U.S. troop movements from U.S. Defense Department computers and tried to sell it to the Iraqis, who thought it was a hoax and turned it down. In January 1999, U.S. Air Intelligence computers were hit by a coordinated attack, part of which appeared to come from Israeli and French hacking. These are some of the examples how Internet is becoming an essential part of modern warfare.

According to Praveen Dalal, Managing Partner of Perry4Law and the leading Techno-Legal Expert of India, “India needs a sophisticated and robust technological command centre to defend its global network of computer systems. It must develop both offensive and defensive capabilities under one roof. Strategic information and tactical inputs are essential part of modern warfare that can be lost or gained through Cyber war methods”.

There is no doubt that India needs good cyber war capabilities to meet the growing threats of information warfare. It would be a good idea to have a “Centralised ICT Command Center” in this regard as suggested by Perry4Law for intelligence agencies of India.

SOURCE: ITVOIR

India Needs Good Cyber War Capabilities

Cyber War and Cyber Terrorism are matters of grave concern to all countries. Equally important are the issue pertaining to cyber security of defense forces in India. These issues are important as they strike at the very root of the critical ICT infrastructure protection in India. While countries like US and Russia are negotiating to limit the impact of cyber wars, India is not doing the needful in this regard. Cyber War Capabilities should be an Integral Part of Indian National Defense and Security says India’s leading Techno-Legal Expert Praveen Dalal.

The military version of cyber war has the potential to be as serious as a nuclear war in terms of creating chaos. It could crash power and water supplies, as well as trashing the global financial systems and information systems. Russia is in favour of an internet disarmament treaty, but the practical aspects are tougher than nukes ever were.

Malware are posing significant threat to India yet there is no attention towards cyber security in India. For instance, we need express provisions and specified procedures to deal with issues like denial of service (DOS), distributed denial of services (DDOS), bot, botnets, trojans, backdoors, viruses and worms, sniffers, SQL injections, buffer overflows etc. Till now India has done nothing in this crucial direction.

India is also suffering from the menaces of cyber war and cyber terrorism. Nobody cares about any these threats in India. Media reports claim that China’s intensified cyber warfare against India is becoming a serious threat to national security. In October 2007, Chinese hackers defaced over 143 Indian websites.

In April 2008, Indian intelligence agencies detected Chinese hackers breaking into the computer network of the Ministry of External Affairs forcing the government to think about devising a new strategy to fortify the system.

As a countermeasure, the Indian armed forces are trying to enhance their C4ISR capabilities, so that the country can launch its own cyber offensive if the need arises.

Similarly, Pakistan is taking steps to intensify its cyber war propaganda against India with the help of its intelligence outfit, the ISI by carrying reports of alleged communal fissures taking place on the Indian side of Kashmir. Issues like these have to be resolved as well.

India must immediately start working upon the issues like cyber war, cyber terrorism, critical infrastructure protection, etc in the larger national interest and national security.

SOURCE: MYNEWS

US and Russia Wish To Curb Cyber War

Cyber War and Cyber Terrorism are matters of grave concern to all countries. Equally important are the issue pertaining to cyber security of defense forces in India. These issues are important as they strike at the very root of the critical ICT infrastructure protection in India. While countries like US and Russia are negotiating to limit the impact of cyber wars, India is not doing the needful in this regard.

The military version of cyber war has the potential to be as serious as a nuclear war in terms of creating chaos. It could crash power and water supplies, as well as trashing the global financial systems and information systems. Russia is in favour of an internet disarmament treaty, but the practical aspects are tougher than nukes ever were.

Malware are posing significant threat to India yet there is no attention towards cyber security in India. For instance, we need express provisions and specified procedures to deal with issues like denial of service (DOS), distributed denial of services (DDOS), bot, botnets, trojans, backdoors, viruses and worms, sniffers, SQL injections, buffer overflows etc. Till now India has done nothing in this crucial direction.

India is also suffering from the menaces of cyber war and cyber terrorism. Nobody cares about any these threats in India. Media reports claim that China’s intensified cyber warfare against India is becoming a serious threat to national security. In October 2007, Chinese hackers defaced over 143 Indian websites.

In April 2008, Indian intelligence agencies detected Chinese hackers breaking into the computer network of the Ministry of External Affairs forcing the government to think about devising a new strategy to fortify the system.

As a countermeasure, the Indian armed forces are trying to enhance their C4ISR capabilities, so that the country can launch its own cyber offensive if the need arises. Similarly, Pakistan is taking steps to intensify its cyber war propaganda against India with the help of its intelligence outfit, the ISI by carrying reports of alleged communal fissures taking place on the Indian side of Kashmir. Issues like these have to be resolved as well.

India must immediately start working upon the issues like cyber warm, cyber terrorism, critical infrastructure protection, etc in the larger national interest and national security.

SOURCE: GROUND REPORT

Cyber Security Of Defense Forces In India Is Required

Cyber security in India has always received an alien treatment. There cannot be any doubt that cyber security is not only important for securing the cyberspace of a Nation, it is also crucial for securing its territorial boundaries. For instance, strategic and crucial information can be gathered from manipulating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) used by strategic units of a Nation.

Cyber security of India is very important to protect businesses, governments and general public at large. The same must be a part of the national policy of India. Unfortunately, cyber security in India is an ignored world. There are many factors that are ailing cyber security in India.

The position is even worst when it comes to wireless security in India. Wireless security has become a headache due to its misuse by terrorists in India. A weak cyber security policy in India is also resulting in increased cyber terrorism activities in India. We have to device methods to tackle cyber terrorism in India.

Another crucial aspect related to a secure and strong cyber security in India pertains to critical ICT infrastructure protection in India. Critical infrastructure is becoming increasingly dependent upon ICT these days. If we are unable to secure an ICT system we are also risking critical ICT infrastructure as well.

Recently, it has been reported that the Chinese intelligence agencies may have planted computer malware and broken into the headquarters of 33 Corps, the army formation looking after most of the north-eastern border with China. The break-in included the planting of trojan viruses which may have given Chinese operatives remote access to the computer network at the 33 Corps headquarters in Sukhna, near Siliguri, West Bengal.

The defense forces also need cyber security and cyber forensics capabilities. The digital life is an altogether different segment where traditional methods are ineffective. The cyber war and cyber terrorism threats are not only real but also very dangerous. India must upgrade its cyber security and national security capabilities as soon as possible. Repeated cyber security breaches have been reported in India from time to time but the attitude of Indian government has not yet changed. It is difficult to anticipate what would wake up the Indian government from its indefinite deep sleep and do the needful.

Cyber Terrorism And Its Solutions In India

The concept of Cyber Terrorism in India was first introduced and advocated in the year 2002 by Praveen Dalal, the leading Techno-Legal Expert of India and Managing Partner of Perry4Law.

However, the GOI woke up very late in the year 2008 when a single provision was incorporated in the Information Technology Amendment Act 2008 (IT Act 2008) on the basis of suggestions of Praveen Dalal.

Though the provision seems to be a good beginning yet there is still a long gap to cover as a single provision cannot be considered to be enough to address the menace of cyber terrorism in India.

It would be a good idea if the GOI take a serious note of the existing cyber law of India and come up with good and effective amendments.

In this wonderful article, Praveen Dalal has suggested both the problems of and solutions to growing problems of cyber terrorism in India. The same can be utilised by GOI once more to provide a robust and effective cyber terrorism law in India.

Cyber Terrorism In India Must Be Taken Seriously

BY
TECHTALK & GUNJAN

Cyber law of India has covered a long distance. It has covered a journey from Informationn Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act, 2000) to the Information Technology Amendment Act 2008 (IT Act 2008). Just like any other technology law, the IT Act, 2000 is also far from perfect. Also with the passage of time, new provisions must be incorporated to address the issues of cyber crimes and online transactions.

One such issue that has not received proper attention of the government of India (GOI) pertains to Cyber Terrorism in India. Cyberterrorism is defined by Kevin G. Coleman as “The premeditated use of disruptive activities, or the threat thereof, against computers and/or networks, with the intention to cause harm or further social, ideological, religious, political or similar objectives. Or to intimidate any person in furtherance of such objectives.

Cyber Terrorism in India was first discussed and advocated in the year 2002 by Praveen Dalal, the leading Techno-Legal Expert of India and Managing Partner of Perry4Law. However, the GOI woke up very late in the year 2008 when a single provision was incorporated in the Information Technology Amendment Act 2008 (IT Act 2008) on the basis of suggestions of Praveen Dalal.

Though the provision seems to be a good beginning yet there is still a long gap to cover as a single provision cannot be considered to be enough to address the menace of cyber terrorism in India. It would be a good idea if the GOI take a serious note of the existing cyber law of India and come up with good and effective amendments.

Cyber Terrorism In India

Cyber Terrorism in India is in limelight but for the wrong reasons. It seems the media and law enforcement in India are too much fascinated with the term “Cyber Terrorism” that they have not even done their homework properly. Recently, the anti-terrorism squad (ATS), investigating the “terror email” has decided not to book the accused for cyber terrorism as there was no intention to carry out any act of terror. Further, the news report also claims that according to an amendment in the Information Technology Act, which came into force in February this year, anyone indulging in cyber terrorism could be sentenced to life imprisonment. Prior to this, even the sending of threat emails was considered “hacking”.

Let us first analyse the stand of ATS. It seems the ATS has become the all powerful authority of India and it has the power to make the laws, make them operational, execute them and interpret them as per their choice. This is so because they have thought to invoke a provision that does not exist at all in India. The Information Technology Act 2000 (IT Act 2000) is absolutely silent on the aspect of “Cyber Terrorism” and the proposed Information Technology Amendment Act 2008 (Amendments 2008) is still inapplicable in the absence of a “Notification” by the Central Government. Till now there has been no notification by the Central Government in this regard. So from which law the ATS could have charged the accused with Cyber Terrorism is still a great mystery.

Similarly, the reporter of this news item has no hint whatsoever that the proposed Amendments 2008 have not yet come into force. So there is no question of applying its provisions to this case. Strangely enough, I cannot find any incidence where sending offensive e-mail is considered to be a case of “hacking” in India either as per the IT Act 2000 or even by the Amendments 2008.

Of course, if the Amendments 2008 have been notified at the time of writing of the reported news then this story makes lot of sense. The fault lies with the Government of India that failed to make clear the status of the amendments.

It seems there is a lack of “cyber law awareness” in India. The law enforcement and media must be responsible in their dealings and claims regarding cyber law and other techno-legal issues. They must acquire some good knowledge about cyber law of India so that not only cyber crimes may be dealt with properly but also there is a culture of “responsible journalism” in India.

Updates of 2009, 2010 and 2011

Also see this following updates in this regard:

(1) Cyber Terrorism is a National Security Hazard

(2) Cyber Terrorism against India

(3) Cyber Terrorism in India and its Preparedness

(4) India is facing serious Cyber Threats

(5) Cyber Security Policy of India

(6) National Security Policy of India is required

(7) Indian Crisis Management Plan for Cyber attacks and Cyber Terrorism

(8) Securing Critical National Infrastructure from Cyber Attacks

(9) Critical Infrastructure protection in India