Global Cybersecurity Index 2024

India recently jumped to Tier 1 in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

About Global Cybersecurity Index:

• The GCI is guided by the ITU Global Cybersecurity Agenda (GCA), which provides a framework for the initiative and sets the strategic direction for global cybersecurity efforts.
• This a comprehensive measure developed to assess the commitment and progress of countries in the realm of cybersecurity.
• It evaluates and ranks countries based on their cybersecurity efforts and achievements.
• It aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of cybersecurity and the various dimensions it encompasses.
• The GCI uses a multi-stakeholder approach, integrating input and expertise from various organizations to improve the quality of the assessment and foster international collaboration.
• The GCI is structured around five key pillars:

1. Legal Measures: Evaluation of a country’s legal framework related to cybersecurity, including laws and regulations governing cybercrime, data protection, and information security.
2. Technical Measures: Assessment of the technical infrastructure in place, such as cybersecurity technologies, incident response capabilities, and network security measures.
3. Organizational Measures: Examination of organizational structures and processes dedicated to managing cybersecurity, including the establishment of cybersecurity agencies or task forces.
4. Capacity Development: Review of efforts to build and enhance human resources and skills in cybersecurity through training programs, education, and professional development.
5. Cooperation: Analysis of national and international collaboration efforts, including partnerships, information sharing, and participation in global cybersecurity initiatives.

Key Objectives:

• Improving Survey Quality: By leveraging diverse expertise and feedback from various stakeholders, the GCI aims to enhance the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the assessment.
• Fostering International Cooperation: The GCI promotes global collaboration and information exchange on cybersecurity issues.
• Promoting Knowledge Exchange: It supports the sharing of best practices and lessons learned among countries to advance global cybersecurity efforts.

Key Findings of Global Cybersecurity Index 2024:

• The GCI 2024 highlights that India excels in legal measures, technical solutions, capacity development, and cooperation.
  • Organizational measures are identified as an area for potential growth.
• India advanced to Tier 1, the highest tier, owing to commitment to all five cybersecurity pillars: legal, technical, capacity development, cooperation, and organizational measures.
• Legal frameworks are noted as the strongest pillar for most countries, with 177 countries having regulations related to personal data protection, privacy protection, or breach notification.
• The majority of countries are either “establishing” (Tier 3) or “evolving” (Tier 4) in terms of cybersecurity maturity.
  • These countries are expanding digital services but still need to enhance cybersecurity measures.
• A significant “cybercapacity gap” exists globally, marked by limitations in skills, staffing, equipment, and funding.
• The report identifies significant threats such as ransomware attacks, cyber breaches affecting core industries, system outages, and breaches of privacy.

Key Cybersecurity issues:

• Increased ransomware: Rise in reports of ransomware attacks targeting government services and other critical sectors in many countries.
• Breaches affecting core industries: The scale, frequency and intensity of incidents or breaches affecting individuals and sectors like education, manufacturing, energy and IT services.
• Privacy concerns: Data breaches led to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) fines issued since 2018 estimated to be currently worth more than EUR 4.5 billion.
• Cost to businesses: The global average cost of a data breach was estimated at USD 4.45 million in 2023.
• Outages: Information technology disruptions affecting the integrity and availability of systems, services and supply chains.

About International Telecommunication Union (ITU):

• The ITU is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for issues related to information and communication technologies (ICTs).
• The ITU works to foster global collaboration and coordination among member states to address technological challenges, develop international standards.
• This ensures the efficient use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits.

Structure and Organization

• The ITU’s headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Governing Bodies:
  • ITU-T (Telecommunication Standardization Sector): Develops international standards for telecommunications and ICTs.
  • ITU-R (Radiocommunication Sector): Manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits and develops international standards for radiocommunications.
  • ITU-D (Telecommunication Development Sector): Focuses on fostering the development of telecommunications and ICTs in developing countries, providing technical assistance and capacity-building.
• Members: It has 193 member states and over 900 sector members, including private companies, international organizations, and academic institutions.

Major Initiatives

• Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI): Assesses countries’ commitment to cybersecurity, providing a benchmark for national progress and improvements.
• Connecting the World: An initiative aimed at increasing global connectivity, particularly in underserved areas.
• World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC): A key event where member states discuss and decide on strategies for telecommunication development.

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