India has claimed a spot in the Tier-1 category in the latest Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024, released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). With a rank of 98.49, India is one of the 47 countries that has been adjudged as a leading nation which has demonstrated commitment to robust cybersecurity practices.
The GCI conducts a comprehensive assessment of national cybersecurity preparedness annually. It evaluates countries across five key pillars: legal, technical, organizational, capacity development, and cooperation. In its fifth annual report, the GCI found India taking strong actionable cybersecurity measures in all these crucial areas.
Legal Measures Boosts India’s Rank in Global Cybersecurity Index
According to the GCI 2024 report, India excelled in the legal pillar, establishing a robust framework of laws and regulations to govern cybersecurity. The Information Technology Act (2000) and its amendments hold significant weight in this regard, outlining measures to combat cybercrime, protect critical infrastructure, and ensure data privacy.
Additionally, the passage of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill (2022) further strengthens India’s legal framework, providing enhanced safeguards for citizen data.
Technical Prowess and Capacity Building
India’s technical prowess also contributed to its Tier 1 placement. The country has witnessed a surge in initiatives promoting secure infrastructure and technology adoption. This includes the establishment of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), a national body dedicated to cyber incident response and threat mitigation. Additionally, various government programs promote capacity building through training and awareness initiatives across diverse sectors.
The GCI report underscores the importance of international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime. India has actively participated in global efforts, fostering collaboration with international organizations and other nation-states. This includes participation in forums like the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and joint cybersecurity exercises with partner countries.
Ranking of Other Countries, Challenges
As many as 47 countries out of 194 made it to the Tier 1 of the GCI report. Among the countries in the category, 12 received a perfect score of 100 including Korea, the U.K., Denmark, Italy, Finland and the United Arab Emirates.
Worrisome threats highlighted in the report included ransomware attacks targeting government services and other sectors, cyber breaches affecting core industries, costly system outages, and breaches of privacy for individuals and organizations.
“Building trust in the digital world is paramount,” said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General.
“The progress seen in the Global Cybersecurity Index is a sign that we must continue to focus efforts to ensure that everyone, everywhere can safely and securely manage cyberthreats in today’s increasingly complex digital landscape.”
Most countries are either “establishing” (Tier 3) or “evolving” (Tier 4) in terms of cybersecurity. The 105 countries in these tiers have largely expanded digital services and connectivity but still need to integrate cybersecurity measures.
A “cyber capacity gap” – characterized by limitations in skills, staffing, equipment and funding – was evident in many countries and across all regional groups, according to the report.
Legal measures are the strongest cybersecurity pillar for most countries: 177 countries have at least one regulation on either personal data protection, privacy protection, or breach notification in force or in progress, it added.
Challenges Remain
While India’s ascension to Tier 1 is a cause for celebration, challenges still remain. The ever-evolving cyber threat landscape demands continuous vigilance and adaptation. Bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to cybersecurity resources across all segments of society is crucial. Additionally, fostering a culture of cyber hygiene and raising public awareness about online threats remain key priorities.
India’s placement in Tier 1 presents an opportunity to build upon its achievements. Continuous improvement in legal frameworks, investment in cutting-edge technology, and fostering a collaborative environment both within and across borders will be critical for maintaining its leadership position. By prioritizing cybersecurity, India can pave the way for a more secure and resilient digital future for its citizens and businesses.