Cyber Threats and Nuclear Security in India

Abstract

State and non-state actors are increasingly using cyberspace as a platform to execute hybrid warfare. As multiple incidents in India have shown critical infrastructures, particularly nuclear infrastructures, have been lucrative targets of cyber-attacks. Considering India’s well-progressing civilian and military nuclear infrastructures, it is apposite to raise the question of how safe these nuclear infrastructures are from cyber threats. This article suggests that India’s nuclear infrastructures will remain exposed to cyber-attacks due to their strategic significance for India’s national security. These threats will continue to exploit the zero-day vulnerabilities in the cyber-physical systems of these infrastructures. Further, the article looks into the threat sources, consequences and mitigation strategies against cyber-attacks on nuclear infrastructures. In an attempt to explore mitigation strategies, the article discusses certain cyber-attack scenarios and the consequences on India’s nuclear infrastructures. The article concludes that while certain technological cyber-defence mechanisms are in place, there is a need for legislative and diplomatic measures for developing a comprehensive set of measures to deter cyber threats to India’s nuclear infrastructures.