UPSC Mains 2017 · GS III · Q9 · 10 marks · 150 words

Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it.

हिन्दी में

साईबर आक्रमण के सम्भावित खतरों की एवम् इन्हें रोकने के लिए सुरक्षा ढांचे की विवेचना कीजिए ।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Highlighting different kinds of cyberthreats faced by India, evaluate the current status of cybersecurity framework in the country.”

Medha AnandAIR 13 · CSE 2023 · 184 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a figure

Cyberthreats are the emerging security challenges grappling India with likes of Pegasus, etc and threat costing around USD 20 billion in next five years.

Body · points

Kind of threats to cybersecurity:- (1) Phishing attacks on computer networks. (2) Money Extortion by blocking computer Networks. Ex- UK's NHS was targetted. (3) Spying on security personnels etc. Ex-Pegasus (4) Hacking of critical database. Ex- reports of China interfering with defence systems across India. (5) Viruses, Malwares being installed across Critical Infrastructure, Ex- Power Units etc. (6) India's rank on cybersecurity Index is 10/194, but considering huge population which is digitally illiterate, can create disaster.

Current framework of cybersecurity in India:- (1) India is not yet a member of Budapest Convention. (2) NCIIPC, I4C, National Cybersecurity centre are the institutional bodies created to safeguard cyber security. (3) National cybersecurity strategy and CERT-In ensure digital safety for digital nagriks. (4) State led initiatives. Ex-Kerala's Cyber Dome Project. (5) Awareness campaigns to ensure frequent software upgradation is done by people.

Close · a way forward

Cybersecurity challenges are the emerging threats that may deter a nation's growth story, joining Budapest Convention can help tread the path.

2 more toppers’ answers to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2017, General Studies Paper III, Q9. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.