UPSC Mains 2021 GS3 Q10 — Cyber security
Keeping in view India's internal security, analyse the impact of cross-border cyber attacks. Also discuss defensive measures against these sophisticated attacks. (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- analysediscuss
- Scope keywords
- India's internal securityimpact of cross-border cyber attacksdefensive measuressophisticated attacks
- Implicit sub-parts
- Categorization of 'Internal Security' impacts (Critical Infrastructure, Financial Stability, Social Fabric/Disinformation).
- Role of state and non-state actors in 'cross-border' context.
- Critical evaluation of current institutional frameworks (CERT-In, NCIIPC) versus emerging threats like Ransomware or APTs.
- Gap analysis in existing defense (Human resource vs. Technology).
- Common pitfalls
- Failing to link cyber-attacks specifically to internal security (e.g., ignoring how cyber-riots or radicalization through cross-border digital means disrupt domestic peace).
- Focusing only on general data privacy/theft instead of 'sophisticated attacks' like Stuxnet-style infrastructure sabotage.
- Ignoring the 'cross-border' aspect by not mentioning specific adversaries or geopolitical motives.
- Listing basic antivirus/firewall solutions instead of high-level policy or institutional measures like the National Cyber Security Strategy.
- Dimensions required
- Economic (Banking/Fintech disruption)Infrastructure (Power grids, nuclear plants, transport)Societal (Communal harmony and fake news)Techno-Legal (IT Act, Budgets, International cooperation)Institutional (Command structures like Tri-service Cyber Agency)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 30 words for a crisp definition of cross-border cyber threats. Dedicate 60 words to the analysis of impact, specifically linking it to internal security domains. Use the remaining 60 words to discuss a multi-layered defense strategy (Technical, Institutional, and Diplomatic) before a brief forward-looking conclusion.
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