Towards this end, the Indian CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) was established as the nodal agency to monitor and respond to information security threats. Similarly, cyber cells have been set up in various state police departments to fight the rising menace of cyber crime. However, the approach seems to be reactive and is in response to actions of the perpetrators’, who would always have the advantage of changing tack and outsmarting various security mechanisms. Probably, a lot is being done in the area of information security, but it is in pockets of isolation. A lot more coordination and information sharing between the various agencies involved in information security is imperative.
Expand concept of national security
With changing times and threat scenarios, it is imperative that we redefine our concept of national security and expand it to include new and emerging threats. There is no denying that information infrastructure is highly vulnerable, but the spectrum of threats is much too broad and may even be unrealistic, especially in terms of IW and cyber-terrorism.
A pragmatic trend analysis based on practical experiences would determine the real threat and chart the way forward in protecting our vital information assets. Finally, unless we secure our information highways, it will be erroneous and misleading for us to claim being an information superpower.
Prashant Bakshi is a Defence Analyst and Former Fellow IDSA and can be contacted on p_bakshi98@yahoo.com
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