Subject: Internal Security

India's emergence as a digital powerhouse has made it increasingly vulnerable to cross-border cyber attacks, posing significant challenges to national security and critical infrastructure. The country witnessed 2,138 cyber incidents per organization weekly in 2023, making it the second most targeted nation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Impact of Cross-Border Cyber Attacks

Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability:

• Attacks on SCADA systems and industrial control networks can disrupt essential services like power grids, water supply, and telecommunications.
• The manufacturing sector faces increased threats through ransomware attacks, potentially disrupting supply chains and economic stability.

Economic Implications:

• Financial sector remains a prime target with sophisticated phishing attacks targeting banking systems and digital payment platforms.
• India faced 5.14 billion cyberattacks in 2023, causing substantial financial losses and data breaches.

National Security Concerns:

• State-sponsored cyber espionage threatens sensitive government data and military installations.
• Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) pose risks to defense networks and strategic assets.

Defensive Measures

Policy Framework:

• Implementation of Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 strengthens data protection mechanisms.
• National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP) provides a comprehensive framework for creating secure cyberspace.

Institutional Mechanisms:

• Enhanced role of CERT-In with increased budget allocation of ₹255 crore for rapid incident response.
• Establishment of National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) for protecting critical sectors.

Technical Solutions:

• Investment in AI-powered threat detection systems and blockchain technology for enhanced security.
• Development of indigenous cybersecurity solutions through National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems with ₹900 crore allocation.

Capacity Building:

• Training of cybersecurity professionals through specialized programs.
• Regular cyber security audits and vulnerability assessments of critical infrastructure.

India's robust response through the integration of technological solutions, policy frameworks, and institutional mechanisms demonstrates its commitment to securing its digital frontiers against evolving cyber threats. The success of these measures will depend on continuous adaptation to emerging threats and international cooperation in cybersecurity.