THE GIST of Editorial for UPSC Exams : 07 February 2020 (Cyber threat: a complex behaviour problem? (The Hindu))

Cyber threat: a complex behaviour problem? (The Hindu)

Mains Paper 3:Science and Technology
Prelims level:Cyber threats
Mains level: Types ofCyber threats and challenges to remove Cyber threats from internet

Context:

• A cyber or cybersecurity threat is a malicious act that seeks to damage data, steal data, or disrupt digital life in general.
• It also refers to the possibility of a successful cyber attack that aims to gain unauthorized access, damage, disrupt, or steal an information technology asset, computer network, intellectual property or any other form of sensitive data.
• Today’s cybercrime landscape is diverse.
• Cyber threats can come from within an organization by trusted users or from remote locations by unknown parties.

Some common cyber threats include:

• Malware: Malware is software that does malicious tasks on a device or network such as corrupting data or taking control of a system.
• Spyware: Spyware is a form .................................................

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Major challenges:

• Increased use of mobile technology and the internet by people.
• Proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) and lack of proper security infrastructure in some devices.
• Cyberspace has inherent vulnerabilities that cannot be removed.
• Internet technology makes it relatively easy to misdirect attribution to other parties.
• It is generally seen that attack technology outpaces defence technology.
• Lack of awareness on Cyber security.
• Lack of Cyber security specialists.
• Increased use of cyberspace by terrorists.
• The Indian government has also been aggressively addressing the rising prevalence of cyber threats.
• India has ranked 47 out of 165 nations on the Global Cybersecurity Index 2018, released by the International Telecommunication Union. This shows India’s commitment to cybersecurity.

Steps taken by Government:

• National Cyber Security Policy 2013 has been framed to create a secure cyber ecosystem, ensure compliance with global security systems and strengthen the regulatory framework.
• National Computer Emergency ............................

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Way ahead:

• The need of the hour for Indian government is to develop core skills in cyber security, data integrity and data security fields while also setting stringent cyber security standards to protect banks and financial institutions. Adequate funding should be provided for strategic research and development.
• India must enhance its technological and investigative capabilities.

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  General Studies Pre. Cum Mains Study Materials

Prelims Questions:

Q.1)With reference to the Star Labelling Programme for Deep Freezer and Light Commercial Air Conditioners (LCAC), consider the following statements:
1. The Star Labeling Programme for Deep Freezer has been initially launched in voluntary mode from 2ndMarch, 2020 to 31st December, 2021.
2. The performance benchmarks/ energy consumption standards are based on Annual Energy Consumption (kWh/year) of Deep Freezers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: .........................................

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Mains Questions:
Q.1)What is a cyber threat? Discuss various challenges associated with cyber threats along with steps taken by the government to prevent it.