Command Cyber Operations and Support Wings for cyberspace challenges
Recently, the Army will operate “Command Cyber Operations and Support Wings (CCOSW)” to deal with cyber space related challenges.
- The CCOSWs will assist formations of the Indian Army in meeting the cyberspace security challenges posed by the increasing warfare capabilities of adversaries.
- The CCOSWs will safeguard the networks and enhance the level of preparedness in the cyber domain.
- The Army will also designate ‘Lead Directorates’ and ‘Test Bed’ formations to adopt specific technologies and enhance its security capability in this area.
How is cyber security linked to national security?
- Cyberspace has emerged as an essential capability of the military sector in both gray-zone warfare and conventional operations.
- Many countries have developed their own strategies related to cyber warfare, which have the potential to change the outcome on the battlefield.
- Enemies can launch cyber attacks on critical infrastructure such as dams, power and energy installations, banking and financial services, etc.
- Attacks on digitally vulnerable platforms are on the rise due to the use of technology and the promotion of digital systems by the government.
Key Challenges:
- India is dependent on imports for electronic components;
- There is a lack of coordination between different agencies;
- lack of adequate infrastructure and trained manpower;
- Still a large population of the country is digitally illiterate etc.
Initiatives taken by the government –
- The National Cyber Security Policy was announced in the year 2013.
- Framework has been adopted to enhance cyber security.
- Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Center (NCIIPC) have been established.
Source – The Hindu