A significant rise in cyberattacks targeting government bodies in India has been documented, with a staggering 138% increase in incidents from 2019 to 2023. The surge in cyber threats directed towards Indian government infrastructure is a cause for concern, as highlighted in a recent report submitted to the Rajya Sabha.
According to data from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, as reported by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), the number of cybersecurity incidents affecting government organizations has been steadily rising each year. The statistics reveal a concerning trend, with the number of cyber incidents escalating from 85,797 in 2019 to 2,04,844 in 2023.
The Indian government has not turned a blind eye to this alarming increase in cyberattacks. In response to the growing threat landscape, Jitin Prasada, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, reassured the Rajya Sabha of the government’s commitment to bolstering its cybersecurity defenses. Measures are being taken to counter these evolving threats and safeguard critical government information infrastructure, as reported by The Tribune.
To combat the surge in cyberattacks targeting government entities, the Indian government has implemented a series of comprehensive measures. One key initiative involves the appointment of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in all central ministries, departments, and state and union territories to ensure a dedicated focus on cybersecurity issues at all levels of government.
In addition, the establishment of the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) aims to shield the country’s critical infrastructure from cyber threats and terrorism. The NCIIPC, operating under Section 70-A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, provides essential services such as threat intelligence, situational awareness, alerts, and advisories to prevent cyberattacks.
The National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC), overseen by CERT-In, serves as a central hub for monitoring cyberspace across the nation. By scanning and detecting cyber threats, the NCCC facilitates coordination between various government agencies to mitigate cybersecurity risks efficiently.
Moreover, CERT-In has devised a “Cyber-Crisis Management Plan” to manage and respond to cyberattacks effectively. This plan is set to be adopted by all ministries, state governments, and critical sectors to ensure a coordinated national response to cybersecurity incidents.
Despite these proactive measures, India has not been immune to high-profile cyberattacks in recent years. During the G20 summit in New Delhi, cybersecurity agencies successfully foiled a massive cyberattack aimed at the official G20 summit website, highlighting the scale of cyber threats facing the nation. Additionally, incidents of phishing, ransomware, and hacking targeting government websites have underscored the need for robust cybersecurity defenses.
As cyberattacks continue to evolve in complexity and frequency, it is imperative for the Indian government to prioritize cybersecurity and invest in advanced capabilities and response strategies. Enhancing cybersecurity measures is vital to protect national security, safeguard critical infrastructure, and fortify the country’s resilience against digital threats in the future.