Ghosts in the Machine: The Past, Present, and Future of India’sCyber Security

Abstract

The article "Ghosts in the Machine: The Past, Present, and Future of India’s Cyber Security" byShashank Yadav provides a comprehensive review of India's cybersecurity journey, from its earlydays of electronic communications under British rule to the present-day challenges. It traces theevolution of cybersecurity policies, highlighting key historical milestones and policy gaps. The articlecritically examines the 2013 National Cybersecurity Policy, identifying its shortcomings inaddressing modern threats, such as advanced persistent threats (APTs) and the role of AI andautomation. The paper emphasizes the need for a robust, forward-looking cybersecurity strategy thatintegrates human factors, operational constructs, and technological advancements to ensure nationalresilience in cyberspace. The article also delves into the human dimension of cybersecurity,emphasizing the importance of situational awareness and the vulnerabilities posed by reliance ontechnology. It argues that the current cybersecurity policy framework in India lacks the necessarydepth and foresight to tackle emerging threats, particularly in the context of international cyberoperations and the evolving landscape of cyber warfare. The author calls for a more integrated andproactive approach to cybersecurity, one that aligns with national security objectives and addressesthe challenges of the digital age.