Cybersecurity Frameworks and Measures for Critical Digital Infrastructure
Science & Technology
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
Cybersecurity is a critical component of national security, economic stability, and data privacy (GS3). Understanding government efforts to secure digital infrastructure is vital.
Cybersecurity involves protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, damage, or unauthorized access. For critical digital infrastructure, robust cybersecurity frameworks are essential to ensure operational continuity, data integrity, and national security.
Facts & tables
- Comprehensive Security
- Multi-layered approach covering application, network, infrastructure, and physical security controls.
- Technical Controls
- Includes firewalls, Web Application Firewalls (WAF), Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), Content Delivery Networks (CDN), and DDoS mitigation services (up to 30 Gbps).
- Organizational & Physical Security
- ISO 27001 certified data center with CCTV and restricted access; integration with CERT-In TSAP for 24/7 monitoring.
- Anti-Fraud Measures
- Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal, anti-bot systems, specialized agencies for Deep-Dark Web Monitoring, and RPF arrests of touts.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Cybersecurity |
| Conceptual area | Information Technology |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Indian Railways | Implements |
| CERT-In | Monitors |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Factual recall
Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis
- Multi-layered security (app, network, physical).
- DDoS mitigation, WAF, anti-bot systems.
- ISO 27001 certification for data centers.
- CERT-In TSAP integration for monitoring.
- Aadhaar authentication for fraud prevention.
Treaty = agreement between states; body = institution.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2022 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2020 | Terminology-based question, Factual recall |
| 2019 | Conceptual understanding, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2018 | Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures |
| 2017 | Statement-based questions, Policy measures |
| 2017 | Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2016 | Statement-based questions, Factual recall |
Timeline
-
Cybersecurity
Conceptual area
-
Information Technology
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2016
Statement-based questions, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2017
Statement-based questions, Policy measures
-
Prelims 2017
Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2018
Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures
-
Prelims 2019
Conceptual understanding, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2020
Terminology-based question, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2022
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2022
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
RailOne App Gains Widespread Popularity Among Passengers with 4.55 Crore Downloads and Average Daily Ticket Bookings of 9.65 Lakh
Indian Railways implements a comprehensive, multi-layered cybersecurity framework for its e-ticketing system, encompassing technical, physical, administrative, and monitoring measures to protect against cyber attacks, prevent fraud, and ensure the integrity and availability of critical digital infrastructure.
See also
Past papers
2016–2022 · 8 questions
In the news
RailOne App Gains Widespread Popularity Among Passengers with 4.55 Crore Downloads and Average Daily Ticket Bookings of 9.65 Lakh
Indian Railways implements a comprehensive, multi-layered cybersecurity framework for its e-ticketing system, encompassing technical, physical, administrative, and monitoring measures to protect against cyber attacks, prevent fraud, and ensure the integrity and availability of critical digital infrastructure.
Try these PYQs
In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cybersecurity incidents?
1. Service providers
2. Data centres
3. Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
In India, section 70-B of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (the IT Act) gives the Central Government the power to appoint an agency of the government to be called the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team. Further, it is legally mandatory for service providers, data centres and body corporates to report on cybersecurity incidents as outlined in the Information Technology (The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team and Manner of Performing Functions and Duties) Rules, 2013, which were notified under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of "Digital India" Plan of the Government of India?
1. Formation of India's own Internet companies like China did.
2. Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
3. Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our school, public places and major tourist centres
Select the correct answer using the code given below
* Statement 1 is not correct: The formation of India’s own internet companies, similar to China’s approach, is not an aim of the Digital India programme. The initiative focuses on creating digital infrastructure, providing digital services, and promoting digital literacy — not establishing government-backed internet firms. * Statement 2 is not correct: The Digital India plan does not include any policy framework to attract foreign multinational corporations to build data centres in India. While data localisation and data centre policies have emerged later under different frameworks, they are not part of the original Digital India objectives. * Statement 3 is correct: One of the key aims of Digital India is to connect villages through broadband and to provide Wi-Fi access in schools, public places, and tourist centres. This is part of its core pillars like Broadband Highways, Public Internet Access Programme, and Early Harvest Programmes.
With reference to Web 3-0, consider the following statements :
1. Web 3-0 technology enables people to control their own data.
2. In Web 3-0 world, there can be blockchain based social networks.
3. Web 3-0 is operated by users collectively rather than a corporation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 is correct. A key aspect of Web 3.0 is the concept of decentralization, where users have more control and ownership over their personal data, rather than having it stored and controlled by centralized platforms. Statement 2 is correct. Blockchain technology is a core component of Web 3.0, and it can enable the creation of decentralized, user-owned social networks and platforms. Statement 3 is correct. The decentralized nature of Web 3.0 means that it is not controlled by a single corporation or entity, but rather operated and maintained collectively by the users and participants in the network. Therefore, all three statements regarding Web 3.0 are correct.
With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?
1. LTE is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.
2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Statement 1 is incorrect: LTE is actually marketed as 4G, not 3G. VoLTE is not marketed as advanced 3G, but rather as an advancement over 4G LTE, allowing for voice calls over the 4G network. Statement 2 is incorrect: LTE does primarily focus on providing high-speed data services, but it's not a data-only technology. VoLTE, on the other hand, is not a voice-only technology. It allows for voice calls to be made over the 4G LTE network, but it doesn't exclude data services. Therefore, both statements are incorrect.
With reference to “Software as a Service (SaaS)”, consider the following statements:
1. SaaS buyers can customize the user interface and can change data fields.
2. SaaS users can access their data through their mobile devices.
3. Outlook, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail are forms of SaaS.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Statement 1 is correct. In many cases, Software as a Service (SaaS) providers allow some degree of customization of the user interface and data fields to meet the specific needs of their customers. Statement 2 is correct. One of the key benefits of SaaS is its accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection, including mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. SaaS applications are often designed to be mobile-friendly, allowing users to access their data and perform tasks on the go. Statement 3 is correct. Outlook, Hotmail, and Yahoo! Mail are examples of web-based email services that operate on the SaaS model. Users access these email services through web browsers without needing to install or maintain any software locally on their devices. The email data is stored and managed remotely on servers operated by the service providers. Therefore, all statements are correct.
Show 3 more PYQs
Regarding ‘DigiLocker’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme.
2. It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location.
Select the correct answer using the code given below
Statement 1 is correct: DigiLocker is a cloud-based digital locker system launched by the Government of India under the Digital India Programme. Its primary objective is to reduce reliance on physical documents by providing secure digital storage and access to e-documents issued by government departments, educational institutions, and other entities. Statement 2 is correct: DigiLocker enables users to access their electronic documents (e-documents) anytime, anywhere, provided they have an internet connection. This enhances convenience, eliminates the need to carry physical documents, and ensures secure and verifiable digital storage. Therefore, both statements are correct.
In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of
In India, the term "Public Key Infrastructure" (PKI) is used in the context of digital security infrastructure. PKI is a system that facilitates secure electronic communication and transactions by using digital certificates, certificate authorities, and other related components. It plays a vital role in ensuring the authenticity, confidentiality, and integrity of data exchanged online.
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Smart India Hackathon 2017?
1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme for developing every city of our country into Smart Cities in a decade.
2. It is an initiative to identify new digital technology innovations for solving the many problems faced by our country.
3. It is a programme aimed at making all the financial transactions in our country completely digital in a decade.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Smart India Hackathon (SIH) is not a scheme for developing Smart Cities. Instead, it is a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying innovative digital technology solutions to solve real-world challenges across various sectors. Statement 2 is correct: The Government of India launched the Smart India Hackathon to encourage students and professionals to develop innovative digital solutions for challenges in agriculture, health, education, energy, environment, and other domains. It serves as a platform for young minds to engage in problem-solving and contribute to technological advancements. Statement 3 is incorrect: While the hackathon focuses on digital technology innovations, it is not specifically centered on digital financial transactions. Instead, it covers a wide range of sectors where technology can drive efficiency and innovation. Hence, correct answer is option (B).