Digital space should not be playground for dark forces : PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said nations must take responsibility to ensure that the digital space does not become a playground for the dark forces of terrorism and radicalization.

Addressing the Global Conference on Cyber Space here, the PM said "information sharing and coordination among security agencies is essential to counter the ever-changing threat landscape."

"The quest for an open and accessible internet often leads to vulnerability. Stories of hacking and defacement of websites are the tip of an iceberg. They suggest that cyber attacks are a significant threat, especially in the democratic world", he said.

"We need to ensure that vulnerable sections of our society do not fall prey to the evil designs of cyber criminals. Alertness towards cyber-security concerns, should become a way of life, he said.

Cyber protection career

"The term "hacking" may have acquired an exciting, even if dubious overtone. We need to ensure that cyber protection becomes an attractive and viable career option for the youth,"he said.

We can walk the fine balance between privacy and openness on one hand, and national security on the other. Together, we can overcome the differences between global and open systems on one hand, and nation-specific legal requirements on the other", he said.

Global cyber attacks in May-June this year infected more than 3,00,000 computers, disrupting work at banks and multinational firms and shutting down port operations.

Modi termed the government's 'Digital India' initiative as the world's largest, technology-led transformative programme.

The direct transfer of government benefits using technology, bank accounts and biometric identifier Aadhaar has helped save $ 10 billion in subsidies.

The government, PM asserted, is committed to empowerment through digital access.