Slide 1:
Title Slide
- Title: Countering China's Cyber Warfare Against
India
- Subtitle: A Strategic Imperative for National
Security
Slide 2:
Understanding the Threat: China's Cyber Warfare
- China's Objectives:
- Reduce India's economic progress
- Prevent India from emerging as an Asian competitor
- Gain economic, technological, and military advantages
- Target Sectors:
- Government (Ministries, Defense)
- Critical Infrastructure (Power, Ports, Telecom)
- Private Sector (Pharma, IT, Banking, Start-ups)
Slide 3:
China's Modus Operandi (How They Operate)
- Primary Objective: Cyber Espionage
- Critical Infrastructure (Power grids, seaports, railways)
- Government & Defense (Strategic info, blueprints)
- Economic & Industrial (IP, commercial data, competitive edge)
- Personal Data (PII from citizens)
- Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
- Groups like APT10, RedEcho, Emissary Panda
- Sustained, covert, long-term access for data exfiltration
- Exploiting Vulnerabilities
- Zero-day exploits
- Software/Hardware weaknesses (e.g., Microsoft Exchange)
- Supply Chain Attacks (e.g., Chinese telecom equipment)
Slide 4:
China's Modus Operandi (Tactics & Techniques)
- Spear Phishing:
Highly targeted email attacks
- Malware Injection:
Custom backdoors, keyloggers, rootkits
- Social Engineering:
Manipulating individuals for info/access
- Obfuscation:
Hiding origins (e.g., through compromised IPs in other countries)
- Disinformation Campaigns: Fake
news, social media manipulation, influencing narratives
Slide 5:
Success of China's Cyber Attacks
- Significant Disruptions & Data Breaches:
- Mumbai Power Outage (2020) – Suspected RedEcho malware
- AIIMS Cyberattack (2023) – Compromised sensitive health data
- Extensive Data Exfiltration (PMO, MEA, EPFO, BSNL, private firms)
- Information Collection:
Sustained intelligence gathering on critical infrastructure, military,
economy.
- Underlying Vulnerabilities:
Persistence indicates India's reactive rather than proactive defense.
- "Signaling" & Deterrence: Attacks used to send political messages and demonstrate
capabilities.
Slide 6:
India's Defense Strategy: Immediate Fortification (Phase 1)
- Emergency Cyber Response Teams (ECRTs): 24/7 rapid detection, analysis, containment.
- Enhanced Threat Intelligence Sharing: Real-time platform for IoCs and TTPs of Chinese APTs.
- Mandatory Cybersecurity Audits:
Immediate, comprehensive audits for critical infrastructure &
government.
- Aggressive Awareness Campaigns:
Training for employees on phishing, social engineering.
- Supply Chain Risk Assessment:
Review and phase out high-risk foreign hardware/software.
Slide 7:
India's Defense Strategy: Deepening Defenses (Phase 2)
- National Cyber Security Architecture (NCSA): Implement Zero Trust, segmentation, ICS/OT security.
- Cyber Talent Pipeline:
Expand education, create National Cyber Academy, incentivize talent.
- Indigenous Cybersecurity R&D Fund: Promote "Make in India" for cyber products
(quantum-resistant crypto, AI threat intel).
- Strengthening Cyber Laws & Regulations: Update laws, enforce data protection, provide legal frameworks.
- Defence Cyber Agency (DCA) Expansion: Boost resources and personnel for defensive & offensive
capabilities.
Slide 8:
India's Offensive Cyber Operations (Considerations)
- Develop Robust Capabilities:
- Dedicated offensive units within military/intelligence.
- Advanced tool development (malware, exploits).
- Deep target intelligence on Chinese systems.
- Strategic Objectives:
- Deterrence:
Create credible reciprocal damage capability.
- Retaliation/Punishment:
Impose costs for attributed attacks.
- Counter-Espionage:
Disrupt Chinese networks.
- Information Warfare:
Counter disinformation campaigns.
- Pre-emptive Action:
(Highly sensitive) Against imminent threats.
- Legal & Policy Framework: Clear
attribution standards, rules of engagement, international law compliance.
- Plausible Deniability:
Sophisticated techniques to mask origin.
Slide 9:
India's Strategic Counter-Operations & Deterrence (Phase 3)
- Development of Offensive Cyber Capabilities (Covert): Elite unit for intel, disruption, retaliation; focus on unique
attack vectors.
- Cyber Diplomatic Offensive:
Engage internationally for norms, build alliances, expose Chinese
activities.
- Strategic Disinformation Countermeasures: Detect, analyze, and counter Chinese narratives.
- Economic Resilience Measures:
Diversify supply chains, enforce export controls, protect IP.
- Regular Cyber War Games:
Conduct realistic exercises for testing and refining capabilities.
Slide 10:
Conclusion & Call to Action
- Key Takeaways:
- China's cyber threat is persistent, sophisticated, and strategic.
- India needs a comprehensive, layered, and proactive approach.
- Strong defense, robust intelligence, and credible deterrence are
essential.
- Next Steps:
- Accelerate implementation of the proposed plan.
- Foster greater public-private collaboration.
- Continuously adapt to the evolving cyber landscape.
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