Cyber security facilitates economic stability: Kapil Sibal

The government has today launched much-awaited Cyber Security Policy 2013.The framework is aimed to reduce national vulnerabilities to deter Cyber attacks, protection of critical information, and effective investigation and prosecution of Cyber crimes.

The policy, unveiled by the Union Telecom and Law Minister Kapil Sibal, is one of the benchmarks in securing Cyber space that has put India into the elite club of countries having similar initiatives. It also endeavors to cultivate Cyber culture in the government, civil society and corporate sector.

The real challenge, Sibal feels would be the operational aspect of the policy. "Today, services are being offered in Cyber space which is a paradigm shift, and it needs to be secured and protected," he said. Sibal also stressed upon the need to evolve global standards.

"Security in Cyber space means economic stability. The entire service economy in Cyber space needs to be secured to compliment banking activities and curtail power theft," he said. The initiative, Sibal feels ultimately empower public. There have been very few nations that have Cyber security policy, the minister informed.

Sibal als believes that businesses should realize the need to safeguard Cyber space before they engage in e-commerce activities. The government, he said, will help SMBs to alleviate their security concerns and encourage them to protect data.

India, he said has embarked on foolproof roadmap, for which indigenous manufacturing of chips and creation of domestic fab industry, is vital. For the purpose, the Ministry of Communications and IT is also tabling proposal before the Cabinet for necessary approvals.

Minister of State for Communications and IT Milind Deora feels that people are increasing becoming dependent on Internet. "Today, threat is different. Hackers are faceless and virtual. There have been increase in Cyber attacks in India and globally. Cyber security policy would safeguard individuals and corporate data," said Deora.

DeitY secretary J Sathyanarayana believes that need of Cyber security had increased manifold. "We have formulated this policy after extensive consultation of more than year," he said. Through this policy, we will monitor Cyber space and reduce threats of Cyber attacks," he added.

First Published in CIOL http://www.ciol.com/ciol/news/190990/cyber-security-facilitates-economic-stability-kapil-sibal