Introduction
Cyber Security is one of the biggest threat as well as opportunity in the contemporary world. The recent ransomware attack crippled NHS and over 100,000 other organizations in 100+ countries. The current government in India has launched many ambitious schemes that can potentially enable the citizens to take advantage of the digital revolution. Two of the most missions which cover the essence of the government’s visions are:
- Smart Cities Mission launched by GoI to target 100 cities to be converted to smart cities
- Digital India Mission transforming India to digitally empowered society and knowledge economy
Also, revelations made by Edward Snowden and attempts of sabotage through programs like Stuxnet, Duqu, Flame, Shamoon etc, only tell us that, how nation states have tried to sabotage the critical infrastructure. Leaders around the globe, including our own prime minister has recognized the threat of cyber attacks in 21st century and have shown keen interest in developing capabilities for cyber security. India especially has lot on stake with its flagship programs and also as a global hub for software development.
However, looking at a much systematic approach. We first need to question, when we are building a digital society is our foundation strong? Have we provided enough security for the building blocks. Are we equipped to safeguard the nation’s interest against any attack.
The need of the hour is to equip oneself with all possible mitigation strategies and as they say, ‘prevention is better than cure’ applies very well for cyber security domain and not just the medical space.
