PM Modi govt gets cracking on cyber espionage
The framework that explores the possibility of setting up a panel of experts who can work closely with the security establishment is being closely monitored by the Prime Minister's Office.
- Jun 28, 2016,
- Updated Jun 28, 2016 10:12 AM IST
It is not just sensitive data that cyber spies are looking to access but the possibility of terror groups using hackers to target vital security and infrastructure installations has spooked the security establishment.
Amid threats of hackers orchestrating attacks on nuclear or power stations, the government is for the first time framing a comprehensive policy to deal with cyber espionage and other threats related to it, highly placed sources in security establishment said.
The framework that explores the possibility of setting up a panel of experts who can work closely with the security establishment is being closely monitored by the Prime Minister's Office.
Making changes in existing laws to keep pace with changing dynamics of the cyber threat is also being worked out.
Strengthening the cyber security workforce and upgrading infrastructure to combat the threat is part of the mechanism being planned.
"It requires inter-ministerial consultations. It needs to be worked out who will be the nodal body. The Intelligence Bureau and home ministry will definitely have an important role. It requires huge capital since top technology needs to be used," said a government official.
Sources in intelligence agencies currently dealing with cyber threats say consulit's the biggest security challenge and the threat will only be more in days in future.
Sources say there is also a big jump in the alerts regarding hacking that are being shared with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as they have could have direct implications on national security.
Last month, a global cyber security firm that a cyber espionage group 'Suckfly' targeted high profile government and commercial organisations.
According to other reports another cyber spy group 'Danti' has access to Indian government organisations.
The PM has also suggested that countering the menace on the virtual world experts in the field have to be roped in at the earliest.
Later, this core team could involve officials on the grassroots level to be part of the team that focuses on the cyber space.
It is not just sensitive data that cyber spies are looking to access but the possibility of terror groups using hackers to target vital security and infrastructure installations has spooked the security establishment.
Amid threats of hackers orchestrating attacks on nuclear or power stations, the government is for the first time framing a comprehensive policy to deal with cyber espionage and other threats related to it, highly placed sources in security establishment said.
The framework that explores the possibility of setting up a panel of experts who can work closely with the security establishment is being closely monitored by the Prime Minister's Office.
Making changes in existing laws to keep pace with changing dynamics of the cyber threat is also being worked out.
Strengthening the cyber security workforce and upgrading infrastructure to combat the threat is part of the mechanism being planned.
"It requires inter-ministerial consultations. It needs to be worked out who will be the nodal body. The Intelligence Bureau and home ministry will definitely have an important role. It requires huge capital since top technology needs to be used," said a government official.
Sources in intelligence agencies currently dealing with cyber threats say consulit's the biggest security challenge and the threat will only be more in days in future.
Sources say there is also a big jump in the alerts regarding hacking that are being shared with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as they have could have direct implications on national security.
Last month, a global cyber security firm that a cyber espionage group 'Suckfly' targeted high profile government and commercial organisations.
According to other reports another cyber spy group 'Danti' has access to Indian government organisations.
The PM has also suggested that countering the menace on the virtual world experts in the field have to be roped in at the earliest.
Later, this core team could involve officials on the grassroots level to be part of the team that focuses on the cyber space.