Cyber Security: Download Cyber Law in India Notes PDF

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber Security is a method of defending servers, computers, electronic systems, mobile devices, networks, and data from malicious attacks.

• Cyber Security is also known as information technology security or electronic information security. Cyber Security includes multiple domains, from business to mobile computing.
• The term ‘cyber’ is related to or involves computer and computer networks. This connection between the internet ecosystems forms cyberspace, and this cyberspace leads to various issues which lead to needing for Cyber Security.

Need for Cyber Security

To understand the importance and need for cyber security in India; it is important to understand the basics of cyber security comprehensively. 

• For Individuals- photos, videos, or personal information shared by an individual on social networks can be inappropriately used by others, which would lead to serious incidents.
• For Government- Government has a huge amount of confidential information about the country and its citizens. If the data gets leaked, it would give rise to serious threats to the country.
• For Business- Data is the backbone of a business, and companies have large amounts of data and information stored in their system. Cyber Attacks may result in the loss of crucial information, synch as loss of customers' private data, etc. if it happens then the company would lose the public trust, and there will be questions about the integrity of the organization.

Basics of Cyber Security

The cases of cyber attacks have increased significantly and with it, the Cyber Security initiatives have also evolved. Everyone must know the Basics of Cyber Security in India so that they can protect themselves.

• In the 1990s to deal with the virus, some Cyber Security initiatives like Anti-virus and firewalls were developed.
• To deal with Worms in 2020, intrusion detection and prevention initiatives took place
• To resolve Botnets (the 2000s – Present) issues, DLP, Application-aware Firewalls, and SIM were developed 
• For APT Insiders (Present), the Network Flow Analysis initiative is taken

Cyber Security and Its Components 

Let’s take a look at the components of Cyber Security

• Application Security- it is the measures taken during the development of an application to protect it from cyber threats.
• Network Security- it includes security measures to protect the reliability, usability, safety, and integrity of the network.
• Information Security- it is the protection of information from unauthorized access to protect the privacy and avoid theft.
• Disaster Recovery Planning- this process includes performing risk assessment, developing recovery plans for attacks, and establishing priorities.

Cyber Laws in India

There are various Cyber Laws in India to protect and prevent such crimes. 

Information Technology Act, 2000

• Came into existence in October 2020 and it is also known as the Indian Cyber Act. it provides legal recognition to all e-transactions.
• Information Technology Act 2000 regulates the use of computer systems, computers and computer networks, data, and information in electronic format.
• This Act lists the following as offenses- hacking with a computer system, tampering with computer documents, cheating using computer resources, and an act of cyber terrorism, among others.

National Cyber Policy 2013

The strategies under National Cyber Policy 2013 are as follows. 

• To create a secure cyber ecosystem and mechanisms for the security threats and the responses through national processes and systems.
• To secure e-governance by implementing the use of Public Key Infrastructure and global best practices.
• Protection of critical information infrastructure with the NCIIPC (National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre)
• Human Resource development through training and education programs
• Development of Cyber Security technologies.

National Cyber Security Strategy 2020

• The Indian government has planned to implement National Cyber Security Strategy 2020 to secure cyberspace in India. 

Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative

• MeitY collaborated with National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and came up with this initiative in 2008 to establish a cyber-resilient IT setup.

Cyber Security Challenges 

Cyber Security in India faces a lot of challenges which are as follows

• Usage of mobile and internet by people has increased
• Lack of solid security infrastructure in some devices
• Lack of awareness of Cyber Security in India
• Increasing use of cyberspace by terrorists
• Vulnerabilities in cyberspace
• In many cases, the attack technology overpowers defense technology

Cyber Security in India

Here are a few recent initiatives taken by the Government for Cyber Security in India.

Cyber Security and Cyber Attacks

Following are the types of cyber attacks that have evolved over the years

• Malware- refers to any kind of software that is designed only to cause damage to a computer network, computer, or server. Worms, viruses, spyware, and trojans are varieties of malware.
• Phishing- is the method of gathering personal information by using deceptive e-mails and websites.
• DOS, DDOS- the attackers make the network or machine unavailable by disrupting services of the host network.
• SQL Injection- many servicers that store data of services and websites use SQL to manage their databases. SQL injection attack target such servers by using malicious code to get confidential information.
• Cyber Espionage- when an important organization’s or government’s privacy is at risk due to the illegal use of computer networks to capture confidential information.
• Cyber Warfare- attacking the information systems with the use of computer technology, especially for military purposes.
• Social Engineering- It relies on human interaction to trick users into breaking security procedures to gain the vital information that is protected.

International Mechanisms for Cyber Security

• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)- is a specialized agency within the United Nations that play a vital role in the development and standardization of Cyber Security and telecommunications issues.
• Budapest Convention on Cybercrime- is an international body that addresses cybercrime by harmonizing national laws, increasing cooperation among nations, and improving techniques for investigation.
• Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN): a non-profit organization that is accounted for coordinating the maintenance and procedures of several databases related to the numerical spaces and namespaces and ensuring the stability of the network for secure operation.
• Internet Governance Forum (IGF)- IGF brings together all the stakeholders such as the private sector, government, and civil society on the internet governance debate.

Cyber Security UPSC

Cyber Security finds its relevance under the GS-III of the UPSC Mains Syllabus. However, candidates preparing for the UPSC Prelims exam must broaden their knowledge on this topic. Candidates can take the help of Cyber Security UPSC Notes to prepare for both UPSC Prelims Syllabus and UPSC Mains Syllabus. 

Additionally, candidates must refer to some UPSC Books that cover the Basics of Cyber Security UPSC because it would help them to get a bigger picture about this topic. Additionally, they will be able to write Cyber Security Essay for the UPSC exam.

Cyber Security UPSC Notes PDF

Above, we have mentioned the importance of Cyber Security from the UPSC Exam point of view. We have also provided the Cyber Security UPSC Notes PDF below that would be helpful during the preparation of this particular topic and help them to write Cyber Security Essay.

>>Download Cyber Security UPSC Notes PDF