The nation have been hearing for the last two years that a new National Cyber Security Policy is ready and likely to be announced any time, but for the reasons best known to the government, the policy is in limbo. With rapid changes in technology, the horizon is moving fast, but frozen feet are worse than the 80% good-to-go policy. On one side the government has dramatically increased the dependency of the common citizens on the digital world, while on other side its cyber security approach is still a patchwork. Here are few reasons why the government should announce its National Cyber Security Policy.
It is 8 years since the last policy was issued in 2013. Technology and Society have moved forward, Horizon has changed.
Today no organisation or society can survive without SECURE digital transformation.
Digital India and Smart Cities need to be part of the National Cyber Security Policy regime.
National Issues
Cyber Intelligence has become a significant issue.
The possibility of Cyberwar with or without kinetic war is now real and present.
Existing National Cyber Security structures need revival/revamping, some new ones required.
Integration of the Private sector is critical to a trust relationship.
New Laws such as Privacy Data Protection Act and Digital Information Security in Healthcare Act are at the visible horizon. Many others are in the pipeline.
CERTs being reactive organisations need to be replaced with a web of Cybersecurity Support Centres of all states and sectors. The role needs to be changed from “Response” to “pro-active support”.
The cyber terrorism threat is real and impacting.
Approach to Law Enforcement and Cyber Crime control requires a fresh look.
The dichotomy is that most R&D centres of MNCs in IT & Cyber Security are in India, but we have a dearth of quality manpower.
Cyber Forensics needs a major push.
Enforcement and compliance are lax.
Drill and Exercises for Cyber Defence needs to be conducted regularly.
International Issues
Countries across the Globe taking a proactive stance to protect respective citizens and national interests in cyberspace.
European GDPR, US Cloud Security Act and various legislation passed by China have a direct impact on Indian Businesses.
UN, WEF, Internet Governance and other international bodies have an effect on the future of the nation-state, need proactive engagement.
Technology
Continuous horizon scanning required to protect against emerging threats
Many technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Internet of Things, Analytics etc. are converging at a high pace and will have a considerable impact on Human life.
Securing Block-chain and Cryptocurrencies needs policy level handling.
Applications and the human mind is becoming one continuum.
Sensory and perception technologies including enhanced experience, Virtual Reality, Augmented reality and Mixed Reality are evolving fast.
Unexplored Deep and Dark web.
Societal Issues
Mobile devices have become ubiquitous and shape the way its owner thinks & interact with friends, family and society.
Social Media Management and fake news controls are necessary without hammering the freedom of speech.
Net addiction and life-threatening gaming.
Real-world conflicts are amplifying on the net.
Indic Languages needs special support else they will die out in emerging cyberspace.
Comments