Day 2 – Q 4. The issue of militarisation of cyber space has become a prominent security threat in recent times. Discuss how the global community can tackle the challenge.
4. The issue of militarisation of cyber space has become a prominent security threat in recent times. Discuss how the global community can tackle the challenge.
4. साइबर स्पेस के सैन्यीकरण का मुद्दा हाल के दिनों में एक प्रमुख सुरक्षा खतरा बन गया है। चर्चा करें कि वैश्विक समुदाय इस चुनौती से कैसे निपट सकता है।
Approach:
- Introduction-
-> Explain what constitutes militarization of cyberspace.
-> How it is emerging as a prominent threat including recent instances.
-> Challenges associated with it. - Explain how the global community can tackle the challenge.
- Conclusion.
Introduction:
Militarisation of cyberspace means ‘usage of cyberspace as the theatre for war’. Instances like wannacry malware emails meant to extort money, Stuxnet attack on Iranian nuclear facilities etc. shows how the cyberspace is increasingly being militarised. The WEF’s Global Risks Report 2018 identified cybersecurity threats as one of the top five global risks.
A prominent security threat:
- Increased usage by not only state but non-state actors as well like the development of “Cyber Jedi” by China as an offensive cyber group.
- Hacking of critical information eg. Sony digitals in the USA by North Korean Group.
- Increasing vulnerability of critical infrastructure with the formation of smart cities, having over-dependence on cyberspace based on the internet of things.
- Increasing digital dependency- Biometric information over UIDAI platform, cashless economy etc.
- Involvement of non-state actors- usage of social media by ISIS to lure youths towards its agenda.
Challenges:
- Unidentified source. Further, the source of threat can be miles away.
- Non-accountability- as the source is difficult to prove.
- Asymmetry, Decentralized nature of cyberspace.
- The present set up for keeping cyberspace peaceful has failed, with over-reliance on the needs and demands of western nations.
How global community can tackle the challenge:
Given the threat and challenges involved efforts have to be redoubled to ensure that cyberspace continues to be used for peaceful purposes.
- Global conference on cyber security should be held more frequently and talks must be held with due deliberations resulting into concrete plans based on latest developments.
- Global cyber security framework- Regulations and rules agreeable to the global community should be set. Budapest Convention can be modified so as to incorporate concerns of nations like India and Brazil, and hence ratified and adopted globally.
- International cooperation on adopting best practices and experiences available worldwide.
- Strong laws for protection of data eg. Global Data Protection Law by European Union, adoption of blockchain technology etc.
- Measuring progress through Global Cyber Security Index. Making it more comprehensive.
- Adoption of ‘No-first use policy’ as in nuclear space.
- Spreading awareness among netizens on safe usage of cyberspace.
Conclusion:
Since cyber space has no boundaries and is face-less, the challenges associated with it is enormous, making it difficult for nations to tackle it. In this light, only concerted efforts involving all the stakeholders is called for.
Best answer: Tenali Raman
