02 April 2025 : Daily Answer Writing

Q1) Recently formulated ‘joint doctrine for cyberspace operations’ by Indian armed forces will lead to strengthening of the cyber-security posture for both conventional operations as well as gray zone warfare. Examine. (10 marks, 150 words) 

ANSWER 

In 2023, India recorded 2,138 weekly cyber-attacks per organization, a 15% increase from 2022. This makes India the second most targeted nation in the Asia Pacific region, after Taiwan. In this context, recently, the Chief of Defence Staff released the Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations, a keystone publication that will guide Commanders in conducting Cyberspace Operations. during the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) meeting.

OBJECTIVES OF THE DOCTRINE:

• Understanding military aspects of cyberspace operations,
• Providing conceptual guidance to commanders, staff and practitioners in the planning, and conduct of operations in cyberspace, and
• Raising awareness of the Indian war fighters at all levels 

NEED FOR A JOINT DOCTRINE ON CYBERSPACE: 

1. India faces a diverse range of cyber threats, including sophisticated malware, phishing attacks, and cyber espionage attempts aimed at stealing sensitive military information. The interconnected nature of defence systems and reliance on digital technologies make them vulnerable targets for adversaries seeking to undermine national security. 
2. Despite efforts to bolster cybersecurity, the defence sector faces challenges such as rapid technological advancements, evolving cyber threats, and shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. 
3. In addition to the traditional domains of warfare including Land, Sea, and Air, Cyberspace has emerged as a crucial and challenging domain in modern warfare. Unlike territorial limits in the domains of land, sea, and air, cyberspace is a global common and hence has shared sovereignty. 
4. Hostile actions in cyberspace can impact the Nation’s economy, cohesion, political decision making, and the Nation’s ability to defend itself. 
5. Operations in cyberspace need to be dovetailed into the National Security fabric, to evolve the ‘Ends,’ ‘Ways’ and ‘Means’ to create advantage and influence events in all other operational environments and across all instruments of power.

STRENGTHENING CYBER-SECURITY POSTURE IN CONVENTIONAL OPERATIONS:

The doctrine enhances India’s cyber-security posture in conventional operations through:

• Cyber Defense: Securing military networks and critical infrastructure against cyber threats, ensuring operational resilience.
• Operational Support: Providing cyber support for intelligence gathering, target identification, and disrupting adversary communications.
• Strategic Communication: Utilizing cyberspace for information operations to influence perceptions and shape decision-making processes.
• Information Warfare: Conducting psychological operations (PsyOps) to counter hostile propaganda and misinformation.
• Counter-Propaganda: Combating adversary narratives and protecting national interests through strategic cyber initiatives.

ENHANCING RESILIENCE IN GRAY ZONE WARFARE:

Gray zone warfare involves ambiguous conflict scenarios where traditional military engagement is not clearly defined. Cyberspace operations play a pivotal role by:

•  Covert Operations: Conducting discreet cyber espionage and sabotage to destabilize adversary activities.
• Influence Operations: Manipulating perceptions and influencing decision-making processes through cyber means.

CHALLENGES

1. Integration of emerging technologies such as AI and IoT into defensive and offensive cyber strategies.
2. Adherence to international laws governing cyber operations to prevent escalation and minimize collateral damage.
3. Balancing cybersecurity measures with individual privacy rights and upholding international norms.
4. Lack of adequate human resource, infrastructure, R&D and budgetary allocations to tackle the cyber threats.
5. Threat emerging from servers hosted outside India and challenges posed by imported electronics/IT products.
6. Upcoming technology viz. Cloud computing, Big data, Internet of Things (IoT), etc. 

WAY FORWARD 

1. India’s defence sector is poised to leverage emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and secure communication networks to enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness.
2. The integration of cyberspace with other domains such as space and electronic warfare will redefine modern warfare capabilities. 
3. By adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity and fostering innovation, India can strengthen its defence resilience and ensure a secure and resilient cyberspace environment for national security. The Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations is a significant step to give impetus to the ongoing process. 
4. As India continues to navigate the complexities of cyber warfare, it is clear that investing in skilled personnel, advanced technology, and robust policy frameworks will be key to safeguarding national security in the digital age.

The joint doctrine for cyberspace operations marks a significant milestone in India’s defense strategy, aligning cyber capabilities with national security imperatives. By integrating cyberspace operations across military domains and addressing challenges through technological innovation and strategic coordination, India aims to enhance its defense resilience in the digital age.

Read More – 01 April 2025 : Daily Answer Writing