Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it. (10 Marks)

Cyber attacks can compromise confidentiality, integrity and availability of digital systems, making cyber security a core component of national security and economic resilience.

Threats

• Ransomware, data theft, identity fraud and disruption of banking, health and public services.
• Attacks on power, telecom, transport and industrial-control systems can create cascading failures.
• State-sponsored espionage, disinformation and supply-chain vulnerabilities threaten strategic autonomy.

Security framework

• National Cyber Security Policy, CERT-In, sectoral CSIRTs, NCIIPC and the Information Technology Act provide institutional anchors.
• Incident reporting, threat intelligence, zero-trust architecture, encryption, backups and regular audits improve resilience.
• Skilled personnel, public–private cooperation, cyber drills and international legal cooperation are necessary.

Security must be risk-based, privacy respecting and continuously updated.

Keywords: cyber security; critical infrastructure; cyber attacks.