NSA Ajit Doval urges collective action to address cyber risks amidst disruptive technologies at BRICS meet

On Monday, during a BRICS meet, which was held in Johannesburg, India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, underscored the necessity for collaborative action to confront the escalating cyber risks arising from disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), Big Data, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

He stressed that the Global South, in particular, must find ways to overcome resource limitations to effectively tackle the growing challenges in cybersecurity. India, he asserted, is committed to remaining at the forefront and working closely with other nations in the Global South to address these issues collectively.

Other nations which participated in the discussions include UAE, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, Burundi, Iran, Egypt, Kazakhstan and Cuba.

Pervasive nexus between cyber criminals and terrorists

NSA Doval also drew attention to the concerning connection between cyber criminals and terrorists, highlighting their utilization of cyberspace for various malicious activities. This includes using digital platforms for financing, money laundering, radicalizing individuals, facilitating lone wolf attacks, recruitment of members, and establishing secured communication channels. Doval's emphasis on this nexus emphasises the urgency of addressing the cybersecurity landscape with a comprehensive and collaborative approach.

Vulnerability of younger population to extremist ideologies

During the said meet, Ajit Doval expressed concern over the vulnerability of the younger population to the spread of extremist ideologies through social media platforms. He noted that the youth, being technologically adept and impressionable, are particularly susceptible to the influence of extremist content disseminated online. This recognition highlights the need for concerted efforts to promote digital literacy, critical thinking, and awareness among young people to mitigate the risks posed by malicious actors on the internet.

In addition to the above-mentioned remarks, Doval has been engaged in several bilateral meetings with counterparts from BRICS and Friends of BRICS countries, aiming to strengthen cooperation and collaboration in addressing the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Overall, NSA Doval's observations and calls for collective action reflect the growing recognition among global leaders about the increasing gravity of cyber threats, particularly with the rapid advancement of disruptive technologies. By acknowledging the connection between cyber criminals and terrorists, and addressing the vulnerabilities of the younger population to extremist ideologies online, the international community can work together to build a safer digital environment for all.