Introduction
In an age where military operations are increasingly driven by digital technologies, cyber security has become indispensable for national defence. The growing dependence on cyber systems for communication, intelligence, and logistical coordination has amplified the risk of cyberattacks, positioning the defence sector as a prime target. Both India and the global community face escalating cyber threats on multiple fronts. Protecting military assets and ensuring the integrity of defence operations requires robust cyber security frameworks.
This article explores the evolving landscape of military cyber security, focusing on key strategies, challenges, and future directions, with insights from both Indian and global perspectives.
The Evolving Threat Landscape
The cyber security threat landscape in the military domain is diverse and increasingly sophisticated. State-sponsored actors, terrorist organizations, individual hackers and insider threats are some of the most pressing challenges for defence systems worldwide. Globally, cyber warfare tactics deployed by nations like China and Russia have grown in frequency and complexity, as reported by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), U.S. Their cyber operations have compromised communications and defence infrastructure of many countries in the past, highlighting the critical need for sophisticated cyber security measures. India, too, faces a persistent threat from neighbouring nations.
The cyberattacks on power grids and military infrastructure during the Galwan Valley Standoff is an example, underscoring the vulnerability of India’s defence networks to state-sponsored cyber operations.
Terrorist organizations have also entered the cyber arena and have been utilizing cyber tactics to disrupt military functions and steal sensitive data. While India has not faced direct military cyberattacks from terrorist groups, terror and militant outfits exploit digital platforms for recruitment, propaganda and covert communication, posing significant risks to national security for the past many years. ISIS has emerged as one of the imminent threats to national security where it operates in an indirect manner through various cyber platforms and recruits the young minds of India to indulge in various anti-national activities. Hence, these insider threats, both intentional and accidental, remain a serious concern.
The Importance of Cyber Security in Defence
Cyber security is essential for safeguarding military operations, protecting classified information, and maintaining national security. Globally, nations have recognized this need and are allocating significant resources to fortify their military cyber defences. The United States leads the charge, with the Department of Defence (DoD) allocating over $11 billion annually to cyber security efforts. Israel’s Unit 8200, a global leader, operates as a premier cyber security agency, known for its advanced cyber defence and espionage capabilities. India, too, has made considerable progress in strengthening its military cyber defences. The establishment of the Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA) in 2018 was a significant milestone in this effort. This agency addresses both offensive and defensive cyber operations and works closely with other government bodies. India’s National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC), operating under the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), is tasked with securing vital military infrastructure from cyberattacks. CERT-In (Computer Emergency Response Team India) also plays a key role in coordinating responses to cyber security incidents across civilian and military sectors, providing critical guidance and support.
Key Cyber Security Strategies for Defence
To combat the growing cyber threats, military organizations globally and in India have adopted comprehensive, multi-layered cyber security strategies. These strategies are built around proactive threat detection, incident response, securing communication channels and improving cyber-awareness among personnel. Globally, AI and ML have become critical tools for proactive threat detection. The U.S. Cyber Command employs AI-driven systems to monitor network activity and detect anomalies in real time, enabling a rapid response to potential threats.
Similarly, in India, the Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA) works with National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) to deploy AI-based threat intelligence systems that bolster the nation’s military cyber defences.
Incident response is another pillar of military cyber security strategies. Globally, military organizations have established specialized Cyber Incident Response Teams (CIRTs) to swiftly manage major cyberattacks. In India, the DCyA, in conjunction with CERT-In, has developed protocols for rapid incident response. These agencies collaborate closely to ensure swift containment and recovery when military networks are compromised. Securing communication channels is a top priority for military operations. Globally, countries like the U.S. and Israel use advanced cryptographic technologies and quantum encryption to protect sensitive military communications. NATO, for instance, employs Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) to safeguard data from interception. In India, secure communication is facilitated through systems like the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), which ensures encrypted communication during Indian Air Force (IAF) operations.
Future Directions
Strengthening Cyber Defences: Several emerging trends are likely to shape the future of cyber security in defence, both in India and globally. AI and ML are expected to play a central role in the coming years, enabling more efficient threat detection and response. DRDO is actively researching to strengthen military cyber defences. Apart from this, many other government agencies are researching actively in this sector to strengthen cyber security. These include the Cyber Security Group (CSG), MeitY and Cyber Security Center of Excellence (CoE), a joint initiative of the Govt of Telangana and Data Security Council of India (DSCI).
Role of Space Sector: As military operations extend into space, securing space-based assets, such as satellites, is becoming crucial. Globally, countries like the U.S. have taken the lead, with the U.S. Space Force focusing on securing satellite communications. Keeping the same as a vision, ISRO launched its first military satellite, GSAT-7 (Rukmini) in August 2013 to provide secure communication across the Indian Ocean region and beyond, thus enhancing space-based maritime communications while improving India’s maritime security capabilities. In August 2015, GSAT-6, a communication satellite designed to provide secure satellite communication services to the Indian Armed Forces, was launched. The military’s communications have been further reinforced through GSAT-7A, launched in 2018, which supports both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army (IA) in providing secure communication capabilities. Another achievement of the ISRO has been the launch of EMISAT, an electromagnetic intelligence-gathering satellite, launched in 2019, which can intercept enemy radars, thus bolstering India’s electronic intelligence (ELINT). Further, as an overall coordinator among the three services, the Defence Space Agency (DSA) was established in 2018 as a core around which a possible Indian Aerospace Command could be ultimately built.
Cyber security Alliances: International cooperation is essential for effectively combating the increasingly sophisticated and global nature of cyber threats. With the interconnectedness of military and civilian digital infrastructures, no single country can defend itself in isolation against state-sponsored cyberattacks, espionage and the rise of cybercrime syndicates. Countries have realized that collaboration in sharing intelligence, best practices and cyber security technologies is vital to building a robust defense mechanism. This cooperation allows nations to stay ahead of evolving threats, leverage collective resources and coordinate responses in the event of major cyber incidents. India, recognizing the global nature of cyber threats, has also been increasingly strengthening its international cyber security alliances. As part of its strategy to bolster its defense capabilities, India is actively collaborating with countries such as the U.S., Japan, Israel and Australia.
These partnerships are geared towards sharing threat intelligence, enhancing cyber defense infrastructure and conducting joint exercises to improve readiness in responding to cyberattacks.
Training of Military Personnel: Advanced training programs are increasingly critical in preparing military personnel to respond effectively to the complexities of modern cyber warfare. As cyber threats evolve, defence forces worldwide recognize that equipping their personnel with cutting-edge skills and knowledge is as important as investing in technology. In India, the focus on cyber security training has grown significantly, with various defence institutions leading the charge in developing specialized training modules tailored to the unique challenges of the military domain by continually updating their training modules to keep pace with the rapidly changing cyber threat landscape. This includes incorporating the latest developments in AI and ML for cyber defence, cyber warfare simulations and red team-blue team exercises, where personnel are trained to adopt both offensive and defensive cyber roles. By simulating real-world scenarios, trainees gain experience in managing large-scale cyber incidents, whether it is defending military systems from an APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) or executing offensive cyber operations to disable an adversary’s communication networks. Moreover, these institutions place a strong emphasis on cyber hygiene and awareness, training personnel to identify phishing attacks, social engineering tactics and other cyber vulnerabilities that may be exploited by adversaries. Through continuous education and regular updates, India’s defence forces remain agile and prepared for the dynamic nature of cyber warfare.
Conclusion
Cyber security is an indispensable element of modern defence strategies, requiring continuous innovation, collaboration and vigilance. Both India and the global defence community face an evolving cyber threat landscape that demands multi-layered defence strategies, enhanced cooperation and substantial investments in emerging technologies. By addressing the challenges of resource constraints, talent shortages and interoperability, India and other nations can secure their military operations and protect national security in an increasingly connected world. As cyberspace becomes a new frontier of warfare, cyber security will remain central to safeguarding the integrity and success of military operations.
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