Cybersecurity Threats: Does It Require International Collaboration?

The complexity of cyber threats has increased, making it challenging for any government to tackle them effectively. Coordinated efforts are urgently needed to solve these issues, as the prime minister's focus on international collaboration makes it clear. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that the time has come for a global digital technology framework, stating that no nation can adequately protect its population from cyber attacks due to the limitations of the available digital tools and apps. At New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam, Modi officially opened the eighth session of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA), which the International Telecommunication Union organises.

Cybersecurity threat of ransomware attacks in India

A recent Trend Micro study highlights the ongoing threat of ransomware attacks in India, offering some important new information. India remains a popular target for these attacks, mainly because of its quickly growing digital economy, which attracts cybercriminals. According to the research, the industries most affected by these attacks are manufacturing and healthcare, which have seen severe monetary losses. The growth of ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) platforms significantly contributes to the increase in ransomware outbreaks since it has made it simpler for cybercriminals to obtain the resources they need to conduct such attacks. The country urgently needs better cybersecurity measures since malware significantly impacts organisations and people by creating data breaches, stopping operations, and causing significant financial harm.

We will need to collaborate to Fight Cyber Threats: PM Modi

Global institutions now need to acknowledge the significance of digital technology for global governance, the PM said, referring to international frameworks and rules. It is necessary to create worldwide dos and don'ts for technology. There are no boundaries to the digital tools and applications that are currently available. They cross all national borders. As a result, no nation can defend its people against online attacks on its own. International organisations will need to step up and accept accountability. The digital world requires a framework of international norms and regulations, just as we have created one for the aviation industry. Our dedication to making a secure digital ecosystem is demonstrated by India's Data Protection Act and National Cyber Security Strategy," PM Modi said.

According to him, India has installed optical fibre eight times longer than the distance between the earth and the moon in just ten years. I'll demonstrate India's speed for you. We introduced 5G at the Mobile Congress two years ago. Currently, 5G service is available in practically every Indian district. India is already the world's second-largest 5G market, and we are also rapidly developing 6G technology. He noted more than 200 mobile manufacturing units in India, compared to just two in 2014.

We are now producing six times as many mobile phones in India as we did when we used to import most of our phones from overseas. We are well-known for exporting mobile phones but have continued. We are currently working to supply the world with phones entirely made in India, from the chips to the final goods. Additionally, we are investing heavily in Indian semiconductors. Alongside Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, he visited the exhibition site following the opening. India and the Asia-Pacific region are hosting the ITU-WTSA for the first time. With the theme "The Future is Now," the Prime Minister also inaugurated the eighth edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC). Discussions on the standards established for cutting-edge technologies like 6G, AI, IoT, Big Data, and cybersecurity will also be facilitated by the ITU-WTSA event.

Global Cooperation is Needed to Fight Cybersecurity Threats

Addressing the increasing cybersecurity issues requires practical international cooperation, with information sharing being important. Countries can increase their security by better identifying rising cyber threats by sharing threat intelligence. Cybercriminals find taking advantage of international risks more challenging when joint investigations into cybercrimes provide a united effort to damage their operations. Developing global standards can promote teamwork and provide a united approach to addressing cybersecurity challenges. Furthermore, developing safety measures in developing nations depends on capacity building through aid and training. Public-private partnerships further support these efforts since cooperation amongst governments, corporations, and academic institutions may encourage innovation and create better cybersecurity solutions.