Relevance: GS Paper 3 (Internal Security)
Source:
Why has this issue cropped up?
The sky rocketing intrusion of digitalization in the banking industry has given more thrust on the implementation of Cyber security in the digital platform.
Measures taken by the govt. to strengthen cyber security
National Cyber Security Policy, 2013
- Its mission is to protect cyberspace information and infrastructure, build capabilities to prevent and respond to cyber-attacks, and minimise damages through coordinated efforts of institutional structures, people, processes, and technology.
- Few Strategies adopted by the Policy include:
- Creation of a secure cyber ecosystem through measures such as a national nodal agency,
- Strengthening the regulatory framework coupled with periodic reviews,
- Creating mechanisms for security threats
- National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in) functions as the nodal agency for coordination of all cyber security efforts,
- Securing e-governance by implementing global best practices,
- To promote cutting edge research and development of cyber security technology,
- Human Resource Development through education and training programs to build capacity.
Cyber Swachhata Kendra
- To combat cyber security violations and prevent their increase,Government of India’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERTin) in February 2017 launched ‘Cyber Swachhta Kendra’ (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre).
- It functions to analyze BOTs/malware characteristics, provides information and enables citizens to remove BOTs/ malware and to create awareness among citizens to secure their data, computers, mobile phones and devices such as home routers.
- The Centre offers the following security and protective tools:
- USB Pratirodh, to control unathorised usage of USB devices
- An app called Samvid for desktop
- M-Kavach, a device for security of Android mobile devices
Information Technology Act
- IT Act, 2000 is the primary law in India dealing with cybercrime and electronic commerce which had subsequent amendment in the year 2008.
- The description of the electronic offences and the Penalty are detailed in the IT Act for the offences such as:
- Tampering with computer source documents.
- Hacking with computer system.
- Using password of another person.
- Acts of cyber terrorism, etc.
RBI Directions
Reserve bank of India has given directions to protect interests of the customer such as:
- RBI has made it mandatory for banks to register all customers for text message alerts and permit reporting of unauthorised transactions through a reply to the alert message. This shall alert the customers on the frauds instantly.
- A customer will have zero liability in respect of a fraudulent transaction if there is contributory fraud or negligence on the part of the bank.
- The customer will also not be liable if there is a third-party breach, without bank involvement, which is reported to the bank within three working days of receiving communication regarding the unauthorized transactions.
Conclusion
With all the measures towards strengthening of Cyber Security, our country shall provide a completely Cyber Secure architecture that is secure and reliable for the digital transactions. However, it is to be continuously upgraded, as new threats emerge. Security is a journey. Awareness will enable to face and mitigate the risk.
