Securing the Digital Future of India: Building a Cyber-Resilient Nation

Syllabus:

GS-2:

Government Policies & Interventions

GS- 3:

Cyber Security ,Cyber Warfare , Challenges to Internal Security Through Communication Networks.

Securing the Digital Future of India: Building a Cyber-Resilient Nation

Why in the news?

The exponential growth in India’s digital sector brings unparalleled opportunities and challenges. Protecting citizens from cyber threats has become essential, as it impacts national security, economic growth, and public trust. New government initiatives reflect the urgency to secure India’s digital ecosystem against evolving cybercrimes.

Expanding Digital Connectivity in India:

  • Over the past decade, India’s digital landscape has transformed significantly, with internet subscribers reaching 40 million, including 398.35 million in rural areas.
  • The low data costs and growing broadband infrastructure have boosted digital connectivity, aiding economic growth and development.
  • India’s digital economy now contributes around 10% to the GDP and is projected to rise to 20% by 2026, driven by digital banking, payments, and the JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile)

Types of Cyber Financial Fraud:

  • KYC Fraud:
  • Scammers impersonate bank officials or government
  • Victims are tricked into revealing personal and financial information.
  • Customer Care Fraud:
  • Fraudsters manipulate search engine results to display fake customer care numbers.
  • They pose as genuine representatives to obtain sensitive data.
  • Lottery Fraud:
  • Victims receive notifications claiming they have won a lottery.
  • They are required to pay fees or provide personal details to claim the prize.
  • Card Fraud:
  • Fraudsters impersonate bank representatives to acquire card details.
  • They obtain expiration dates, CVV codes, PINs, and OTPs under false pretences.
  • UPI Fraud:
  • Scammers persuade users to make unauthorised fund transfers.
  • They may obtain sensitive UPI credentials, enabling fraudulent transactions.
  • Electricity Bill Scam:
  • Fraudsters threaten service disconnection due to unpaid bills.
  • Victims are urged to make immediate payments.
  • Task-Based Job Fraud:
  • Scammers offer lucrative work-from-home
  • Victims are enticed into making investments.
  • Digital Arrest Fraud:
  • Cybercriminals coerce victims into paying large sums to avoid fabricated criminal charges.
  • Charges may relate to money laundering or drug smuggling.

Initiatives Regarding Cyber Security

  • National Cyber Security Policy:
  • Aims to build a secure and resilient cyberspace.
  • Outlines objectives and strategies to protect information and infrastructure.
  • Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative:
  • Raises awareness about cyber crimes.
  • Creates safety measures for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and IT staff in government departments.
  • Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C):
  • Provides a framework for law enforcement to address cyber crimes.
  • Comprises seven components, including a reporting portal and training centre.
  • Cyber Swachhta Kendra:
  • Detects botnet infections and notifies users.
  • Helps clean and secure systems from malware.
  • Computer Emergency Response Team – India (CERT-In):
  • Collects and analyses cyber incident information.
  • Issues alerts on cybersecurity incidents.
  • Critical Information Infrastructure (CII):
  • Protects resources vital to national security and public safety.
  • Managed by the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC).
  • Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA):
  • Handles cybersecurity threats for the Indian Armed Forces.

Growing Cybersecurity Threats:

  • The rapid digital transformation also brings vulnerabilities, exposing citizens to cybercrimes such as phishing, scam calls, fake investments, and “digital arrest” scams where criminals impersonate government officials.
  • The misuse of telecom networks for fraudulent activities impacts both financial security and public trust, making citizens wary of engaging in digital transactions.
  • The government has responded by disconnecting fraudulently acquired mobile connections, addressing over 6 lakh complaints, and safeguarding ₹2,400 crore from cyber threats.

Government Initiatives for Cyber Protection

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged citizens to “Ruko, Socho, Aur Action Lo” (Stop, Think, and Take Action) against cybercrimes, advocating vigilance and reporting through helpline 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in.
  • The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System, blocking 86% of spoofed calls, approximately 135 crore daily, to curb the rising threat of international call scams masked as local calls.
  • The Sanchar Saathi platform, developed by DoT, includes tools like Chakshu to help users report spam messages and suspicious calls. Leveraging AI, the DoT has disconnected over5 crore fraudulent connections and blocked lakhs of mobile handsets and sellers involved in malicious practices.

4. Role of Citizens and Youth in Cybersecurity

  • The Sanchar Mitra program involves college students as “digital safety advocates,” educating local communities on telecom fraud prevention.
  • Through the Sanchar Saathi Portal, citizens are empowered to report telecom fraud and locate stolen or lost phones, with the portal logging over 7 crore visits since May 2023.
  • This grassroots initiative reinforces that cyber resilience is a collective responsibility, uniting citizens in the mission to secure the digital environment.

Strengthening Regulatory Measures and Collaborative Efforts

  • The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has imposed stringent penalties on entities involved in spam and telemarketing scams, blacklisting over 800 offenders and disconnecting more than 18 million numbers.
  • TRAI has also blocked 350,000 unverified SMS headers and 12 million unused content templates, demonstrating a zero-tolerance approach to violations.
  • The Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) enhances real-time information sharing among 520 stakeholders, including 460 banks and law enforcement agencies, to bolster coordinated action against cyber threats.

Envisioning a Cyber-Resilient India

  • Cybersecurity is essential to sustaining India’s digital future, safeguarding citizens and their data as the country advances in digital transformation.
  • India’s strong digital infrastructure, tech-savvy youth, and robust institutional frameworks provide a solid foundation for a secure digital ecosystem.
  • By embracing PM Modi’s call for vigilance, India aims to become a cyber-resilient nation, empowering citizens to thrive safely in an increasingly digital world.

Conclusion:

India’s cyber resilience strategy combines government action, regulatory oversight, and citizen participation to tackle cyber threats. With continued vigilance, innovation, and collaborative efforts, India can build a robust defence against digital vulnerabilities, fostering a secure environment where citizens and businesses can thrive.

Source: Hindustantimes

Mains Practice Question:

Discuss the importance of cybersecurity in India’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem. How do government initiatives and citizen involvement contribute to building a cyber-resilient nation?

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/tag/cybersecurityindia/