About: Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), Cybersecurity

What is Cybersecurity?

• Computer security, Cybersecurity or Information Technology Security is the protection of computer systems and networks from information disclosure, theft of or damage to their hardware, software, or electronic data.
  

About: Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI)

• The Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) is a trusted reference that measures the commitment of countries to cybersecurity at a global level.
  
• GCI was first launched in 2015 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
  
• Objectives: To better understand countries’ commitments to cybersecurity, identify gaps, encourage the incorporation of good practices, and provide useful insights for countries to improve their cybersecurity postures.
  

Parameters for assessment:

• Each country’s level of development or engagement is assessed on the basis of five parameters (20 points each):
  • Legal measures
    
  • Technical measures
    
  • Organizational measures
    
  • Capacity development
    
  • Cooperation
    
  
  
• For each of these parameters, country commitment is assessed through a question-based online survey.
  
• Through consultation with a group of experts, these questions are weighted in order to arrive at an overall GCI score (out of 100).
  

Global Cybersecurity Index 2020:

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• The US topped the rankings, followed by the UK and Saudi Arabia tied on the second position, while Estonia was ranked third in the index.
  

India’s performance:

• India, with a score of 97.5/100, has been ranked on 10^th position in the overall rankings.
  
• In the Asia-Pacific region, India secured 4^th position, underlining its commitment to cybersecurity.
  
• The GCI results for India show substantial overall improvement and strengthening under all parameters of the cybersecurity domain.
  

Conclusion:

• Whether it is a global health emergency, climate change, aging populations, or other future challenge, digital technologies offer an enticing tool to help move the world forward.
  
• When the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) come to maturity in 2030, 90 per cent of the projected world population, or 7.5 billion people, are projected to be online.
  
• If the efforts put into the SDGs are to be sustained, cybersecurity will be needed to ensure that digital solutions are secure, reliable, and trustworthy.
  

About: International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

• The International Telecommunication Union is a United Nations specialized agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
  
• It was originally founded in 1865 to facilitate international connectivity in communications networks.
  
• Functions:
  • Allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits
    
  • Develops technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect
    
  • Strives to improve access to ICTs to underserved communities worldwide.
    
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
  

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