Draft cybersecurity strategy has been formulated: Centre

Subject: National Organisation

Context:

In response to a question from Lok Sabha members following recent cyber-attacks (for example, AIIMS, Delhi), the Minister stated that the NSCS had developed a draft cyber security strategy, but no date for implementation or other information was provided..
This year, a total of 12,67,564 cyber security incidents were reported, compared to 14,02,809 such events in 2021.

Guiding Principles under Draft Cyber Security Strategy:

Risk-based approach: To be adopted by the private sector, the government, academia and civil society in assessing and responding to cyber-related threats or issues.
Multi-stakeholder approach: To enhance the effectiveness of all key stakeholders in improving the cybersecurity posture by recognizing the various roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders.
External Co-operation: The Strategy will also promote bilateral, regional and international cooperation, recognizing the borderless nature of cyberspace.
Respect for the rule of law and human rights: To promote, protect fundamental human rights and freedoms of citizens.
Capacity development: To address fast changing cybersecurity issues and developments.
Socio-economic development: To ensure cyberspace is fully leveraged by broader socio-economic development, facilitate sustainable socio-economic development across the entire nation.
Addressing Cybercrime: To promote and facilitate both individual and collective action in tackling cybercrime.

About National Cyber Security Policy

The National Cyber Security Policy is a policy document drafted by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY), Ministry of Communication and Information Technology in 2013.
It is aimed at protecting the public and private infrastructure from cyber attacks. The guideline also seeks to protect the personal information of internet users, financial and banking information, and sovereign data.
In 2020, the National Cyber Security Strategy was conceptualised by the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) headed by Lt General Rajesh Pant.
The report focused on 21 areas to ensure a safe, secure, trusted, resilient, and vibrant cyberspace for India. About National Security Council

National Security Council

NSC of India is a three-tiered organization that oversees political, economic, energy and security issues of strategic concern.
The National Security Advisor (NSA) presides over the NSC, and is also the primary advisor to the prime minister. The current National Security Advisor is Ajit Doval.
It was formed in 1998, where all aspects of national security are deliberated upon.

Three tier Structure:

NSC comprises the three tier structure- Strategic Policy Group (SPG), the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and the National Security Council Secretariat.
The SPG chaired by the Cabinet Secretary is the principal forum for inter-ministerial coordination and integration of the relevant inputs.
The NSAB undertakes long-term analysis and provides perspectives on issues of national security.
The National Security Council Secretariat, which reports to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, has been brought into the government’s Allocation of Business (AOB) rules, thus granting it constitutional recognition and legal authority.
NSCS acts as the secretariat for the PM-led National Security Council (NSC).
Function:
It operates within the executive office of the prime minister of India, liaising between the government’s executive branch and the intelligence services, advising leadership on intelligence and security issues.
Members:
The Ministers of Home Affairs, Defence, External Affairs and Finance are its members..