Strengthening Cybersecurity Framework

In digital era, advancements have become the backbone of economic and social progress and cybersecurity has emerged as a critical national concern. The gravity of cyber threats and the Government’s proactive approach to mitigating these risks through comprehensive legal and technical measures are the keys to safeguarding people. Cyberattacks threaten national security, economic stability, and individual privacy. The exponential rise in cybersecurity incidents-from 13.91 lakh in 2022 to over 20.41 lakh in 2024-demonstrates the growing sophistication and frequency of such attacks. Acknowledging this challenge, the Government has been implementing robust strategies to enhance the country’s cyber resilience.
One significant step taken in this direction is the enactment of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and amendments to existing IT laws. These legal frameworks provide a structured approach to data security, ensuring accountability and stringent punishment for cyber criminals. Additionally, the inclusion of cybercrime provisions in the new Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita Act reinforces the commitment to strengthening cyber laws. From a technical standpoint, the establishment of the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre by the Union Home Ministry has proven instrumental in facilitating a coordinated response to cyber threats. Similarly, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team continues to play a crucial role in incident response and preparedness. The National Cyber Coordination Centre acts as a vigilant control room, identifying potential threats before they escalate into full-fledged attacks. The success of these measures was evident in the ability to thwart major cyberattacks during critical events such as the G20 summit and the Ram temple inauguration ceremony.
Moreover, initiatives like Cyber Swachhta Kendra provide citizens with tools to detect and eliminate malware, raising awareness and equipping individuals to counter cyber threats effectively. However, cybersecurity remains an evolving challenge that demands continuous innovation and vigilance. Strengthening public-private partnerships, enhancing cybersecurity education, and investing in indigenous cybersecurity research will be pivotal in addressing emerging threats. India’s remarkable rise in the global cybersecurity index-from ranking in the 30s to being among the top 10-is commendable. However, maintaining this momentum requires sustained efforts in policy formulation, infrastructure development, and citizen awareness.