As the global netizen population has crossed two billion, cyber security experts are worried over the lack of security mechanisms online and fear that the next generation of threats could emerge out of cyberspace.
Speaking during a conference on Cyber Security organised by Confederation of Indian Industry here recently, Vigilance commissioner R Sri Kumar, who has the distinction of setting up the first cyber police station in Bengaluru, warned that no data is secure in the cyberworld and urged cyber space users to keep themselves updated with information on cyberspace.
He said the biggest threat in cyberspace is from inside and not outside. These include stealing of data and sabotage of the system. While stressing on the need to encrypt and store data, the former police officer highlighted the importance of cloud computing in safeguarding the data. “Cloud computing is secure and it is easy for one to create a security apparatus around it so that it can’t be breached,” he said.
Kumar also stressed on the need for more investment besides human resources to ensure security. Interestingly, the threat is being felt worldwide. Lt Gen V K Pillai, general officer commanding of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala area, said that globally around 50,000 companies a day are thought to have come under cyber attack with the rate estimated to be doubling every year.
Pillai said that for defence networks in particular, since the level of security is to be of higher order, it is necessary to adopt measures like complete ownership of the network by the defence agencies, total network security, procurement of network equipment from reliable sources, multiplayer communication with matching redundancy for critical systems, computer security and encryption procedures.
He also said that several countries like Russia and China have been active in promoting the idea of an international convention on information security. He also highlighted that the United States is in a unique position in this regard as it retains control over nine of the 11 route servers, which form the backbone of the internet.
R S Nallasivam, IGP, Additional Commissioner of Police, Central Crime Branch, Chennai Police, said, “Cyber security is a great challenge. In Tamil Nadu, 42 cyber crime cases were registered last year and this year, 17 cyber related cases have been filed. There is a need for support from the community at large to provide a safe journey on the cyber highway.”
Providing an overview and emphasising on the cyber security in the corporate sector, Col (Retd) David Devasahayam, Chairman, Radiant Group of Companies said, “Cyber security is ill-addressed in most of the Indian industries, which is a major area of concern. Resources should be focused on promoting research and development in Cyber Security, securing data ecosystem and increasing public-private participation to address the current challenges.”