These policy updates align with MietY’s 10-year strategy in cryptography, quantum technologies, cyber forensics R&D, and mobile & IoT device security.
The Indian government is set to implement a regulatory sandbox for the ‘functional security and validation’ of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices and aims to establish an ‘indigenous security ecosystem’ to enhance cybersecurity measures for these devices.
In addition to this, there’s an initiative to develop “indigenous tools” dedicated to the protection and security of mobile applications. For IoT device security, the IT ministry is collaborating with various working groups to continually update and refine policies related to the security of these devices.
These policy updates align with a 10-year strategy outlined by the ministry of electronics and information technology, covering a range of areas including cryptography, quantum technologies, cyber forensics research and development, and mobile and IoT device security.
A senior IT ministry official emphasised the importance of a robust policy, especially with the rise of generative AI (genAI) and the expansion of 5G technology, which is expected to bring IoT devices into the mainstream.
For mobile device security, the roadmap suggests establishing a government-level framework to verify mobile applications’ authenticity. The official pointed out that current mobile protection measures are mostly reactive, focusing on sensing and addressing threats as they occur. The goal is to shift towards proactive detection and anticipatory strategies, using AI and ML, involving startups, R&D labs, OEMs, academia, and major industry players.
In the field of cryptography, the IT ministry is pushing for the indigenization of cryptographic solutions, protocols, and schemes, and plans to develop resilient cryptography-based infrastructures for IoT environments.
Regarding quantum computing, the IT ministry is working to enhance semiconductor design and research. Government-run institutes like the SCL in Mohali might be tasked with developing superconducting materials, which could advance the capabilities of quantum and supercomputing.
To strengthen cyber forensics, the IT ministry intends to regularly analyse the dark web and develop software and applications for advanced detection of child exploitation content. The roadmap also includes plans to monitor human trafficking networks and drug sales conducted through internet-based intermediaries.
