Emerging Technologies and Their Impact on Governance

Cybersecurity and Governance

Why Cybersecurity is Central to Modern Governance

In today’s governance ecosystem, data is power and digital platforms are the backbone of administration.

Cybersecurity refers to the framework of technologies, laws, institutions, and practices that ensure:

• Integrity – data is not altered without authorization
• Confidentiality – sensitive information remains protected
• Availability – services remain accessible when needed

In governance terms, cybersecurity is essential because governments now depend on:

• Digital public services
• Online financial transactions
• E-governance platforms
• Critical infrastructure networks

👉 Without robust cybersecurity, governance becomes fragile.

Governance Risks of Weak Cybersecurity

If cybersecurity systems fail, governments face:

• Data breaches → loss of citizen trust
• Ransomware attacks → paralysis of public services
• Cyber espionage → compromise of national security
• Disruption of critical infrastructure → threat to lives and economy

📌 Therefore, cybersecurity is not merely a technical issue—it is a core governance and national security issue.

Major Cyber Attacks in India: Lessons for Governance

(a) AIIMS Delhi Cyberattack (2022)

• Ransomware attack crippled hospital systems for days.
• Patient records and medical data became inaccessible.

Governance implication:
Failure of cybersecurity directly affected right to health and emergency service delivery.

Entity: AIIMS Delhi

(b) Kudankulam Nuclear Plant Cyber Breach (2019)

• Administrative network compromised.
• Linked to Lazarus Group, a North Korea–backed hacking group.

Governance implication:
Cybersecurity lapses can escalate into strategic and nuclear security risks.

(c) NPCIL Malware Incident (2019)

• Malware detected in systems connected to Kudankulam facility.
• Confirmed by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited.

Governance implication:
Even indirect system breaches reveal systemic cyber vulnerabilities.

(d) Aadhaar Data Leak Allegations (2018)

• Reports claimed unauthorized access to Aadhaar data was being sold online.

Entity: UIDAI

Governance implication:
Threat to citizen privacy, data protection, and trust in digital governance.

Cybersecurity Initiatives Taken by India

India has gradually built a multi-layered cybersecurity governance framework.

Legal Framework

• Information Technology Act, 2000
  → Provides legal basis for cyber offences and enforcement.
• National Cyber Security Policy, 2013
  → Vision document for a secure cyber ecosystem.

Institutional Architecture

(a) Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)

Entity: CERT-In

• Nodal agency under MeitY.
• Issues cyber alerts, handles incidents, and coordinates response.

(b) National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC)

• Real-time monitoring of cyber threats.
• Coordinates among intelligence and security agencies.

(c) Cyber Swachhta Kendra

• Also known as Botnet Cleaning Centre.
• Provides free tools to detect and remove malware.

(d) Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) Programme

• Focus on cyber hygiene awareness.
• Targets students, citizens, and government employees.

(e) Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative

• Public–private partnership.
• Trains government officials, CISOs, and administrators in best practices.

Way Forward: Strengthening Cybersecurity Governance in India

(a) Strengthen Institutional Framework

• Expand and empower:
  • CERT-In
  • Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)

✔ Need for a dedicated Cybersecurity Authority for protecting critical infrastructure such as power, nuclear, banking, and transport.

(b) Robust Data Protection Regime

• Swift implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
• Ensure accountability of:
  • Government agencies
  • Private data processors

✔ Cybersecurity + data protection = trustworthy digital governance.

(c) Enhance Public–Private Partnerships

• Collaboration with technology firms and startups.

Example:
Infosys Cyber Defense Center supporting government security audits

(d) Cybersecurity Awareness and Education

• Integrate cybersecurity into → School curricula, Higher education, Civil service training

Example:
Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative training CISOs.

✔ Long-term governance resilience comes from human capacity, not just software.

(e) Promote Indigenous Cybersecurity Technologies

• Reduce dependency on foreign tools.
• Encourage domestic R&D.

Example:
DRDO developing secure communication systems.

✔ Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat in digital security.

(f) Regular Cyber Drills and Simulations

• Conduct sector-specific preparedness exercises.

Example:
Cyber Shockwave 2023, led by CERT-In for energy and banking sectors.

✔ Governance must move from reactive to proactive cyber defence.

Concluding Governance Perspective

Cybersecurity is no longer a backend technical issue—it is:

• A pillar of national security
• A foundation of digital trust
• A precondition for effective e-governance

👉 In a digital democracy like India, weak cybersecurity means weak governance.

For UPSC, remember this line:

“Cybersecurity is to digital governance what law and order is to the physical state.”

That captures the essence of this topic.