DNA Edit: Fighting cybercrime

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has drawn attention to the fact that cybercrime is the biggest challenge facing the country, and that “cybersecurity issues should be dealt with immediately, and must receive highest priority”.

In his valedictory address at an Intelligence Bureau conference in Madhya Pradesh, he threw light on  the changing dynamics of security-related threats.

The PM’s concerns aren’t unfounded, especially against the backdrop of the alleged breach in Aadhaar database. In his inaugural speech at the 5th Global Conference on Cyber Space in the national capital last November, he had emphasised the need to create a band of cyber warriors to counter these threats.

E-platforms are the new hub of crime, while social media has become a fertile ground for radicalisation. The growing tide of cybercrime will require the Centre and states to act cohesively in the larger interest of the country.

Information-sharing among states will help security officers tailor their counter-strategies accordingly. It’s true that along with our dependence on the Internet and the stupendous rise in the number of smartphone users, our vulnerabilities have increased exponentially.

In view of such threats, it becomes imperative to formulate laws and set up foolproof systems to beef up national security. The malware attacks in India had already exposed our vulnerabilities. Even so-called developed countries with their robust cybersecurity architecture could offer feeble resistance to such aggression.

No country is safe, least of all India. With data being regarded as the new ‘oil’, multiple threats will emerge from the dark universe of the Internet. India needs to constantly innovate to be at the cutting-edge of security systems.

That’s the only way to beat wily, faceless but extremely dangerous enemies.