Innovative ideas needed to tackle cyber threats: Deputy NSA

BENGALURU: Highlighting that technology was far ahead of law, its enforcement and policy making, Deputy National Security Adviser Arvind Gupta today said innovative approaches were required to handle issues relating to cyber security.

"Apart from the issues of e-governance, cyber crime, cyber espionage, cyber warfare has also become important concerns for governments. Governments all over pay a great deal of attention in preventing attacks on critical infrastructure," Gupta said.

He said there is a fear that cyberspace can be used for corporate espionage. The protection of critical infrastructure has become an important issue in bilateral and multilateral forums, he said.

Stating that in this context 'cyber diplomacy' is important, Gupta pointed out that in a era where billions of devices are interconnected, cyber security will become more important an issue.

He said "the reality is the technology is far ahead of law, law enforcement and policy making when it comes to the internet."

"Challenging the future will be complex and will require innovative approaches to handle the threats from the cyber space," he added.

Gupta was delivering a keynote address on 'Cyber Diplomacy' at the 'Cyber 360' conclave organised by Synergia foundation here.

Noting that cyber issues will affect the prosperity and security of the nation, Gupta said cyber security has become an "important element" of foreign policy and diplomacy.

"Given its importance for national security, public safety... in developing international agreements on how to behave in cyber space, and how to ensure safe, stable and open internet - cyber diplomacy has become increasingly important for India as well," he said.

Gupta said India was witnessing a boom in internet with over 300 million users and growing. It is already experiencing revolutionary changes in the area of e-governance, internet services, e-commerce and the like.

He also advocated a stable and secure internet infrastructure.

Gupta mentioned social media and its efficient utilisation as a diplomatic tool in public outreach, in handling emergency evacuation and disaster relief. "But, there is also a negative side of social media," he added.

He said: "The challenge before the government is to ensure a right balance between the security concerns that arise out of using social media and increasing reliance of citizens on it."

Gupta said cyber security is a new and growing area, requiring knowledge of technology, law and politics. It is an area of focus for Indian government and "it will continue to focus on this in the years to come," he said.