India’s Tier1 In Global Cybersecurity Index2024

Blog Credit : Trupti Thakur

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India’s Tier1 In Global Cybersecurity Index2024

India has achieved Tier 1 status in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024, a remarkable accomplishment that shows the country’s dedication to building a strong  cybersecurity foundation. This recognition by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reflects India’s growing strength in protecting digital information and improving online safety for everyone.

What is the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI)?

The GCI is a global tool used to measure how committed different countries are to cybersecurity. It helps raise awareness about why cybersecurity is so important and looks at how different sectors—like business, government, and technology—work to stay secure online. It’s a way to see which countries are leading the way in online safety.

Key Areas of Assessment

The GCI ranks countries by evaluating them in five key areas:

• Legal Measures: Are there laws and regulations to protect against cyber threats?
• Technical Measures: What technical tools and systems are in place to fight cyberattacks?
• Organizational Measures: How well are institutions organized to handle cybersecurity issues?
• Capacity Development: Are there efforts to educate and train people in cybersecurity skills?
• Cooperation: Are there partnerships with other countries to improve cybersecurity worldwide?

India’s Performance in GCI 2024

India earned an impressive score of 98.49, placing it among the top 47 countries in the world with the best cybersecurity practices!

Some key reasons for this success include:

Strong Legal Framework: India has solid legal measures in place, like the Information Technology Act (2000) and the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill (2022), which help keep the digital space secure.

Overview :

India has marked a significant milestone in its cybersecurity efforts by achieving top Tier i.e. Tier 1 status in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024, published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). With a remarkable score of 98.49 out of 100, India joins the ranks of ‘role-modelling’ countries, demonstrating a strong commitment to cybersecurity practices across the globe.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) played a pivotal role as the nodal agency representing India in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024. Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Hon’ble Minister of Communications, hailed the accomplishment as a Proud Moment for Bharat. He said, “This stellar achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to cybersecurity and highlights the remarkable growth of India’s telecom sector.”

The GCI 2024 assessed national efforts based on five pillars: legal, technical, organizational, capacity development, and cooperation. The comprehensive questionnaire includes 83 questions, covering 20 indicators, 64 sub-indicators, and 28 micro-indicators, ensuring a thorough evaluation of each country’s cybersecurity landscape.

India’s strong performance in cybersecurity is driven by a series of initiatives and measures undertaken by the Government of India to enhance cyber resilience and establish robust frameworks for cybercrime laws and cybersecurity standards. The country’s legal institutions are well-prepared to address cybersecurity challenges and combat cybercrime, ensuring the protection of its digital infrastructure. Additionally, Sectoral Computer Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) provide sector-specific technical support and incident reporting, further strengthening India’s cybersecurity capabilities.

Education and awareness have been central to India’s cybersecurity strategy. Targeted campaigns and educational initiatives have promoted secure online practices across sectors, including private industry, public institutions, civil society, and academia. The integration of cybersecurity into primary and secondary education curricula further underscores the country’s dedication to cultivating a knowledgeable and well-prepared digital citizenry.

In addition, incentives and grants have driven skill development and promoted research and innovation within India’s cybersecurity industry. International collaborations, along with bilateral and multilateral agreements, have further strengthened India’s capacity-building and information-sharing efforts, solidifying its role as a global leader in cybersecurity.

India’s leap to Tier 1 in the GCI 2024 is a clear indicator of the nation’s elevated cybersecurity commitments. This achievement not only reflects Government of India’s dedication to securing its digital domain but also sets a benchmark for other nations. DoT continues to spearhead India’s efforts in securing its digital infrastructure on the global stage.

 

 

Blog By : Trupti Thakur