Cyber security is no more related to government departments alone. It has pervaded into the entire cyberspace. Those who have an online presence or using information and communication technology (ICT), must essentially develop cyber security capabilities.Cyber security is protecting businesses, governments and general public all alike. Thus, keeping in mind the importance of cyber security for the overall growth and development of a national economy, the same must be a part of the national policy of a nation. Till now we have no cyber security policy in India.
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. The government of India has not taken cyber security seriously. India needs a dedicated cyber security research and training centre at the national level. We have a single techno legal cyber security research and training centre in India. Although this is a very good cyber security initiative of 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 and managing partner of Perry4Law, 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.
