Why this matters now
Cyber warfare and the protection of critical infrastructure are a top internal-security priority — tested for the threat, India’s architecture and the policy gaps.
Cyber warfare
Cyber warfare is the use of cyberattacks by states (or proxies) to damage, disrupt or spy on another nation — through malware, ransomware, DDoS, espionage and sabotage. Cyberspace is now the “fifth domain” of warfare (after land, sea, air and space), enabling deniable, low-cost, high-impact attacks.
Critical infrastructure threat
Prime targets are Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) — power grids, financial systems, telecom, transport, water, defence and nuclear facilities — whose disruption can paralyse a nation. Attacks on CII (and on supply chains and IoT) can have cascading, physical consequences.
India’s architecture and the way forward
India’s framework includes the NCIIPC (protecting CII), CERT-In (incident response), the Defence Cyber Agency, National Cyber Security Coordinator, and the IT Act/DPDP Act. The way forward: a national cyber-security strategy, indigenous capability, offensive/defensive cyber doctrine, public-private cooperation and skilled manpower.
UPSC angle
Know cyber warfare (state cyberattacks, fifth domain), CII (power/finance/telecom/defence) as targets, India’s architecture (NCIIPC, CERT-In, Defence Cyber Agency) and the need for a national cyber strategy.
Frequently asked questions
What is cyber warfare?
The use of cyberattacks by states or proxies to damage, disrupt or spy on another nation.
Why is cyberspace called the fifth domain?
Because it is now a domain of warfare alongside land, sea, air and space.
What is Critical Information Infrastructure?
Systems like power, finance, telecom and defence whose disruption would cripple national security or the economy.
Which bodies protect India’s cyberspace?
The NCIIPC (critical infrastructure), CERT-In (incident response) and the Defence Cyber Agency, among others.