India setting up a ‘Defence Cyber Agency’ to counter cyber threats

Kolkata – Considering the perceived threat to the Indian armed forces, critical systems in the nation as well as the national security, the Defence Ministry has initiated efforts to establish an independent ‘cyber agency’. The proposal for the same is in its final stages of approval. The new cyber agency would operate under the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), informed Lieutenant General M.M. Naravane, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army.

‘Defence Cyber Agency’, counter cyber threats, MM Naravane, IDF, cyber security, cyber attacks, ww3, Kolkata, cyber squad The Eastern Command chief said, ‘The Indian armed forces are vigilant towards the increasing cyber threats which have given rise to the concept of the formation of the new cyber agency. Officials and experts from the three defence wings of India viz., Army, Navy and Air Force, would be assigned in the new agency. The new agency will operate under the IDF and address all the cyber threats.’

Lt. Gen. Naravane clarified that a two-star rank officer would head the cyber agency and its units will be operational across the country. ‘There will be dedicated officers at every headquarter to deal with the aspect of cybersecurity. The officers would be responsible for keeping an eye on all the matters related to cybersecurity and to tackle them,’ Lt Gen Naravane further informed.

For the last few years, India is witnessing a consistent rise in cyber attacks and cyber crimes. Although the government formed a dedicated cyber squad, it has failed to curtail the incidents and the scope of the cyber attacks. Last year, the Home Ministry decided to initiate the ‘Cyber Crime Co-ordination Cell (CCCC)’ for synchronising the cybersecurity sector. Additionally, it also issued orders for creating a ‘State Crime Co-ordination Cell’.