India Achieves Tier 1 Status in Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 To Become 'Role-Modelling' Country

New Delhi: India has achieved Top Tier-1 status in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024 published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). India scored 98.49 out of 100 becoming one of the ‘role-modelling’ countries, demonstrating a strong commitment to cybersecurity practices across the globe.

11 Asia and Pacific countries have been ranked under the Tier-1 Role Modelling Category: Australia, Bangladesh , India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan , Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) played a pivotal role as the nodal agency representing India in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024. Jyotiraditya M Scindia, minister of communications, hailed the accomplishment as a Proud Moment for Bharat. 

“This stellar achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to cybersecurity and highlights the remarkable growth of India's telecom sector,” the minister said.

​​​​​​​"Countries around the globe are improving cybersecurity efforts, but stronger actions are needed to meet evolving cyber threats, according to the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, released today by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)," GCI said.

“Building trust in the digital world is paramount," said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General. “The progress seen in the Global Cybersecurity Index is a sign that we must continue to focus efforts to ensure that everyone, everywhere can safely and securely manage cyber threats in today's increasingly complex digital landscape." 

GCI Assessment 

The GCI 2024 assessed national efforts based on five pillars: legal, technical, organizational, capacity development, and cooperation. The comprehensive questionnaire includes 83 questions, covering 20 indicators, 64 sub-indicators, and 28 micro-indicators, ensuring a thorough evaluation of each country’s cybersecurity landscape.

“India's strong performance in cybersecurity is driven by a series of initiatives and measures undertaken by the Government of India to enhance cyber resilience and establish robust frameworks for cybercrime laws and cybersecurity standards. The country’s legal institutions are well-prepared to address cybersecurity challenges and combat cybercrime, ensuring the protection of its digital infrastructure. Additionally, Sectoral Computer Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) provide sector-specific technical support and incident reporting, further strengthening India’s cybersecurity capabilities,” said the Press Information Bureau in its official release.

Education and awareness have been central to India's cybersecurity strategy. Targeted campaigns and educational initiatives have promoted secure online practices across sectors, including private industry, public institutions, civil society, and academia. The integration of cybersecurity into primary and secondary education curricula further underscores the country’s dedication to cultivating a knowledgeable and well-prepared digital citizenry, it added.

Moreover, incentives and grants have driven skill development and promoted research and innovation within India’s cybersecurity industry. International collaborations, and bilateral and multilateral agreements, have further strengthened India’s capacity-building and information-sharing efforts, solidifying its role as a global leader in cybersecurity. India’s leap to Tier 1 in the GCI 2024 is a clear indicator of the nation’s elevated cybersecurity commitments. This achievement reflects the Government of India’s dedication to securing its digital domain and sets a benchmark for other countries. DoT continues to spearhead India's efforts to secure its digital infrastructure on the global stage, the release read.