Cyber Crimes and India’s National Security

A Rising Threat in the Cyber Domain

Abstract

Cyberspace is considered to be the fifth domain of warfare. Even though it is placed last in the order, it still plays a critical role. However, if analyzed, its direct impact would likely be the greatest on a state’s and its citizens’ security. India currently stands among the community of nations that aim to achieve increased digital penetration and access to internet networks and mobile devices for its citizens. This expansion has brought with it economic benefits and an improved quality of life, but it has also introduced the threat of cybercrimes, which are increasingly becoming a risk to both citizens and the state’s national security. Particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of cybercrimes has increased substantially; the victim count has risen by 69 percent, the largest increase since 2001. In India, cybercrime has increased by 300 percent. Over the last decade, India has focused on countering cybercrimes and their national security implications. However, India still lags in having a comprehensive institutional mechanism that works at both the central and state levels to address cybercrimes.