“Public Private Partnership Crucial To Fight Cyber Crime”

 

Despite being an IT hub and an attractive offshore desitnation, India has a lot to do in securing its cyber space. The recent $45 million global ATM heist which was traced back to two Indian IT companies- ElectraCard Services, based in Pune and EnStage Inc in Bengaluru has put the country in a difficult situation. 

Several other incidences have proven India to be a happy hunting ground for cyber criminals. Experts feel that India's IT law is almost toothless against cyber criminals as its a bailable offence with maximum of three years of imprisonment. The recent Gulf ATM heist has uncovered India as a vulnerable destination in terms of IT security. "India is the weakest link," said Shane Shook, an expert with US cyber-security firm Cylance Inc in a report. 

Shri Rajesh Tope, Minister of Higher & Technical Education, Govt. of Maharashtra said that as incidences of cyber crime have been increasing day by day industry participation is required to fight cyber crime in the country, while addressing the staff of Quick Heal during his visit to Quick Heal’s Research and Development Lab.

According to a report from The Hindu, India currently has only 556 cyber security experts in various government departments, while China has 1,25,000 experts, the U.S. 91,080 and Russia 7,300. India needs to wake up to the crisis as reports of hacking of sites, cyber terrorism, state supported hacking, hacking activism, economic offences are on the rise.

Speaking at The Mid-year CSO Summit 2013, organised by CSO Forum, Dr. Gulshan Rai, Director General, CERT-In, Government of India echoed, “The incidences that we witness today are far more complex. It's time to have a close collaboration between the industry and government to achieve in this domain. India due to its growing economic influence worldwide, has gained attention from cyber criminals. This is the time to come and think together as to what is best for the country. The scenario of cyber security in India needs to be improved significantly.”

Emphasizing on the importance of education in this scenario, Shri Tope also focused on the fact that the current academic syllabus needs to be upgraded to meet these challenges. Going forward industry participation is required to keep the students abreast of the latest developments.

“Public Private Partnership Crucial To Fight Cyber Crime”