DNA Edit: Safety Net

The next World War, if ever there is such widespread conflict, would be fought in cyberspace. Along with our dependence on the Internet and the stupendous rise in the number of smartphone users, our vulnerabilities have increased exponentially. As data — both personal and official — assume centrestage in the functioning of a nation, theft of sensitive information, too, becomes commonplace. It is in this context that one must appraise the importance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inaugural speech at the 5th Global Conference on Cyber Space in the national capital.

Cyber threats are omnipresent because hackers sitting in remote, untraceable locations often pilfer data, plant virus and create mayhem virtually at will. Russian and Chinese hackers are notoriously virulent, so are several anonymous collectives operating from different corners of the planet. The PM’s emphasis on creating a band of cyber warriors to counter these threats has found resonance among several countries, which have been at the receiving end of such onslaughts. No country is safe, least of all India as it increasingly opts for e-governance, collects data for welfare schemes, and gives a decisive push towards digital transactions.

Measures to enhance cyber safety also opens up scope for debate over the right to privacy. But can citizens in a globalised world with increased access to Internet claim to leave private lives? Logging on to the Internet means leaving anonymity for good because every move in the digital sphere is closely monitored. In view of such threats, it becomes imperative to formulate laws and set up foolproof systems to beef up national security. The computer-savvy youth of this country have a vital role to play in this regard. India needs to constantly innovate.