International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Releases Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024 | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Releases Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024

Posted 16 Sep 2024

2 min read

GCI 2024 assesses country-level cybersecurity commitments across five pillars: legal, technical, organizational, capacity development, and cooperation. 

  • It uses a new five-tier analysis (Tier 1 to Tier 5) to assess each country's advances with cybersecurity commitments and resulting impacts. 

Key highlights 

  • India among role model countries: 46 countries (including India) are in Tier 1 i.e., “role modelling" countries demonstrating a strong commitment to all five cybersecurity pillars. 
  • Global Improvement in Cybersecurity: Since 2021 (last GCI was published), all regions have shown improvement and Africa has advanced the most on cybersecurity 
  • Expansion of digital services: Most countries are either “establishing" (Tier 3) or “evolving" (Tier 4).
    • These countries have largely expanded digital services and connectivity but must integrate cybersecurity measures.

Key issues

  • Worrisome threats: Ransomware attacks, cyber breaches affecting core industries, costly system outages, etc. 
  • Prevalence of cybercapacity gap: Limitations in skills, staffing, equipment and funding. 
  • Operating cybersecurity framework:  Putting cybersecurity agreements into practical operation remains challenging. 

Key Recommendations

  • Developing and regularly updating a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy
  • Capacity building to cybersecurity professionals, youth and vulnerable groups. 
  • Fostering domestic and international cooperation on information-sharing, training opportunities, etc. 
An image showing information on International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It shows that ITU is Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Key information include:  Genesis: On 17 May 1865, the first International Telegraph Convention signed in Paris by established the International Telegraph Union (the first incarnation of ITU). ITU is the UN’s oldest specialized agency and, 17 May became World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. Role:  UN’s specialized agency for digital technology; Harnessing innovation and connecting everyone to ensure a better future for all  Members: 193 Member States (including India) other members include companies, universities, etc. Flagship reports: Global Connectivity Report, Global e-waste Monitor

 

  • Tags :
  • Cyber Security
  • ITU
  • Global Cybersecurity Index 2024
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