Mains Practice Questions

Introduction:

Cyber security has emerged as a critical pillar of national security in the digital age as governance, economy, and defence increasingly rely on digital networks.

• Incidents such as cyber-attacks on power grids (e.g., In Mumbai) , financial systems, and government databases(eg, AIIMS Ransomware Attack) show that cyber threats can disrupt national security as seriously as conventional threats.

Body:

Major Cyber Security Challenges Faced By India

• Rising Financial Frauds: India has witnessed a sharp rise in phishing, ransomware, and online financial frauds targeting individuals and institutions. These crimes exploit low cyber awareness and rapid digitalisation.
  • For instance, in FY 2023–24, India recorded over 13.4 lakh UPI fraud cases resulting in losses exceeding ₹1,087 crore, marking the highest level since the UPI system became mainstream.
  • This threat spectrum has further expanded with the emergence of “digital arrest” scams, wherein fraudsters impersonate law-enforcement or regulatory officials to psychologically coerce victims into transferring money.
• Continuous Threat on Critical Information Infrastructure: Power grids, telecom networks, transport systems, and health infrastructure are increasingly digitised but inadequately protected. A successful cyber-attack can cause systemic disruption.
  • For example, RedEcho, a hacker group, attacked 10 Indian Power Sector Companies and 2 Seaports in 2021.
• State-Sponsored Cyber Espionage And Warfare: India faces threats from hostile state and non-state actors engaged in cyber espionage, data theft, and sabotage of strategic systems.
  • In 2025, a group of cyber attackers allegedly based in Pakistan claimed responsibility for accessing sensitive data from Indian state-owned websites, raising serious national security concerns.
• Cyber-Skill Deficit And Institutional Capacity Gaps: Shortage of trained cyber security professionals and uneven capacity across states weakens prevention and response mechanisms.
  • Though cyber forensic labs have been commissioned in 33 States/UTs and over 24,600 police officers, prosecutors, and judicial officials trained, uneven distribution of tools and expertise persists at local levels, leading to delayed or superficial forensic investigations, especially in smaller districts.

Measures Taken To Address Cyber Security Challenges

Suggestions To Strengthen Cyber Security Framework

• Strengthening Institutional Measures: Enhance coordination between central, state, and sectoral cyber agencies and expand cyber crime units at local levels.
  • Regular cyber security audits and joint cyber exercises can improve preparedness.
• Advancing Technological Measures: Invest in indigenous cyber security technologies, encryption standards, and secure hardware manufacturing.
  • Greater use of AI-driven threat intelligence and real-time monitoring systems is essential.
• Reforming Legal And Policy Measures: Update cyber laws to address emerging threats such as deepfakes and AI-enabled attacks.
  • Strengthen data protection enforcement, clarify jurisdiction in cyber crimes, and enhance international cooperation on cyber norms.

Conclusion

Cyber security is integral to India’s national security, economic stability, and citizen trust in the digital era. While India has taken important institutional, technological, and legal steps, evolving threats demand continuous capacity-building, legal reforms, and technological innovation to ensure a resilient and secure cyber ecosystem.