DNA Edit: Fighting cybercrime — The decision to recruit computer geeks is the first step

Given the changing nature of crime — the focus is now shifting to cybersecurity threats — the government has deemed fit to recruit computer geeks. The need of the hour is to neutralise dangers posed by malware created by nerds sitting in some remote place with the sole objective of destabilising a country. Keeping that in mind, the government will set up state-of-the-art cyber police units at districts and sub-divisional levels, which need to be populated by those who have a thorough understanding of both hardware and software. It’s a classic case of brains replacing brawn as law-enforcers are generally recruited on the basis of their height, physical fitness and stamina. This is an altogether different ball game, where razor-sharp minds will engage in bloodless battles.

The decision to hire geeks is also in sync with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, which seeks participation from the country’s youth to help India fight these dangers. Cybercrime is a world in itself — the virtual world leaving a trail of destruction in the real world. It ranges from bullying, email spam, phishing and online scams to identity theft, posting illegal and offensive content on the web and accessing or uploading child pornography. However, it is the attacks on computer systems that have made countries realise their vulnerabilities. There had been at least 37 major ransomware attacks on India in 2017 alone, out of which WannaCry and Petya were the deadliest.

Though India’s cybersecurity laws are evolving to take stock of such threats, they need to be made more comprehensive. There is also a crying need to develop a digital architecture that can withstand the vicious assaults. India has no shortage of talent. The government only needs to provide the right tools to these computer professionals. India should lead the global war against cybercrime.