India Advances to Tier 1 in Global Cybersecurity Index 2024
India has ascended to Tier 1 in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024, released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This top tier highlights India’s role-model status in cybersecurity through its significant commitments and impacts.
The updated GCI 2024 introduces a new five-tier system that emphasizes countries’ advancements in cybersecurity. Tier 1 is reserved for nations that excel in all five cybersecurity pillars, and India has emerged as a leader in areas such as legal frameworks, technical measures, capacity development, and international cooperation. Organizational measures were noted as a potential area for further growth.
Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, remarked, “The Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 reflects the significant strides countries are making in implementing critical legal measures, plans, capacity-building initiatives, and cooperation frameworks, particularly in enhancing incident response capabilities.” Zavazava also highlighted the role of ITU’s cybersecurity projects in supporting national efforts to better manage cyber threats.
The report pointed out ongoing concerns, including ransomware attacks targeting government services and other sectors, cyber breaches affecting key industries, costly system outages, and privacy violations.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasized the importance of building trust in the digital world, stating, “The progress shown in the Global Cybersecurity Index underscores the need for continued efforts to ensure that everyone, everywhere can safely and securely navigate today’s complex digital landscape.”
Most countries are categorized as either “establishing” (Tier 3) or “evolving” (Tier 4) in terms of cybersecurity. The 105 countries in these tiers have expanded their digital services and connectivity but still need to enhance their cybersecurity measures.
The report also noted a prevalent “cybercapacity gap” across many nations, characterized by deficiencies in skills, staffing, equipment, and funding. Legal measures remain the strongest cybersecurity pillar, with 177 countries having at least one regulation related to personal data protection, privacy, or breach notification either in force or under development.
