Joint Doctrine For Cyberspace Operations

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) released India's first Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations.

About Cyber Space

1. Definition: Cyberspace refers to the global volume of entities (such as Information and communication technology (ICT) systems) processing, storing, and transmitting digital information and code, regardless of whether they are connected or not.

2. Military Advantages: Real-time intelligence gathering, offensive and defensive operations, improved communication, signal intelligence, etc.

3. Vulnerabilities: Cyber warfare or cyber-attacks can disable official websites and networks, disrupt or disable essential services, steal or alter classified data, cripple financial systems, etc.  

Significance of the doctrine

1. Guidance: Provides conceptual guidance to commanders of armed forces, staff, and practitioners in planning and conducting Cyberspace Operations.

2. Jointness and Integration: Promotes Jointness and Integration of three services (Army, Navy, and Air Force), a pre-requisite to the creation of functional integrated theatre commands.

3. Global Competition: Enables India to compete globally, as countries like China have developed significant cyberwarfare capabilities, including cyberweapons to degrade or destroy adversaries’ military assets and strategic networks.

4. Prevention of Hostile Actions: Helps prevent hostile actions in cyberspace, which can impact the nation's economy, cohesion, political decision-making, and ability to defend itself.

More on the news

1. The Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations (JDCO) lays emphasis on understanding military aspects of cyberspace operations.
2. The move highlights how Cyberspace has emerged as a crucial domain in modern warfare, in addition to traditional domains of Land, Sea, and Air.

Other Measures taken for Strengthening cyberspace capabilities in India

1. Defence Cyber Agency (DCA): Established in 2019, the DCA is a tri-service agency responsible for handling cybersecurity threats and coordinating cyber defense efforts across the three services.

2. Exercise Cyber Suraksha – 2024: Conducted by the Defence Cyber Agency to develop Cyber Defence Capability of all Cyber security organisations and promote synergy amongst all stakeholders.

3. Cyber Emergency Response Teams (CERTs): Established by Defence Services to prevent and react to cyber attacks.

4. Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC): Monitors and manages cyber threats, ensuring the protection of defense-related information and communication systems, especially in Assam Rifles.

Conclusion

The doctrine is poised to shape future military strategies and operations, reinforcing the integral role of cyberspace in national defence.

Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi

UPSC Prelims Result 2024 Out: Expected Cut Off & Other Details, UPSC Prelims 2024 Answer with Explanation, Daily Prelims Quiz, Daily Current Affairs, MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS TOTAL (CAT) MAGAZINE, Best IAS Coaching Institute in Karol Bagh, Best IAS Coaching Institute in Delhi, Daily Mains Question Answer Practice, ENSURE IAS UPSC Toppers, UPSC Toppers Marksheet, Previous Year Interview Questions, UPSC Syllabus