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

Techno-Legal Cyber Security Centre For Defence Forces In India

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.

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.

SOURCE: MYNEWS