International legal framework needed for online security: Gulshan Rai

An international legal framework is required to make a user secure in the cyberspace, as the Internet is not restricted to a single country, the National Cyber Security Coordinator, Gulshan Rai said in Kolkata on Friday.

"We require an international legal framework because of the cross-border issues. We are storing data on the clouds but do not have any idea about their location. So a legal framework will definitely help us," he said.

Besides, creating awareness among the Internet users should be the prime focus to counter online threats, he said while speaking on 'Securitisation of Digital India' at the Business-IT Conclave organised by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

"Digital revolution will rise and spread out. Software change is a grappling issue. The government of India is doing a lot in this regard but the prime most part is creating awareness among the people. Technology can protect your device but people process technology must be there to handle the technology," Rai added.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' programme, the official said the country should create its own software and hardware so that we can understand them quickly when issues arise.

Skill development and capacity building would also help in securitisation of digital India, Rai said, adding that the Indian Institute of Technologies could run short practical courses on this.

"We need to create practical courses teaching people on how to design security of a system," said Rai, who has been heading the Computer Emergency Response Team at the Department of Electronics and Information Technology, before taking up charge as the special secretary for cyber security.

He also emphasised on the need for cooperation among nations to protect data and keep a check on crimes.

The Centre has taken up several policies on these issues in 2013 and some are being implemented, he said.

"But the implementation does not depend on the Government of India itself. We need cooperation from every field," he informed.