Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 8: The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), with active support from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is in advanced stages of developing a new software-based firewall along with a comprehensive usage protocol to counter online espionage.
The initiative aims to strengthen cyber defence across security forces and other strategic agencies by preventing hostile exploitation of digital devices and safeguarding sensitive operational data. According to sources familiar with the development, the proposed framework is expected to be formalised soon and will introduce uniform standards for the use of authorised digital devices within intelligence, police and paramilitary establishments.
The framework will also restrict the use of personal gadgets in sensitive operational zones and mandate advanced monitoring, auditing and logging of digital communications. The move comes amid growing concerns that compromised devices are increasingly being used as entry points for espionage, posing serious risks to national security.
Sources said the framework will clearly spell out policy objectives along with strict operational guidelines, addressing the rising threat of digital espionage linked to device vulnerabilities. There is mounting evidence of foreign-backed espionage networks actively targeting Indian personnel involved in strategic affairs and border security.
“The objective is to prevent hostile exploitation of devices and protect hyper-sensitive operational data,” a source said.
As part of the plan, a centralised hardware procurement mechanism will be put in place to ensure that all devices are sourced through vetted and trusted supply chains. Software installations, data storage practices and external connectivity will be governed by stringent norms to reduce exposure to malware, spyware and unauthorised data access.
These measures, sources said, are intended to enforce disciplined digital hygiene, with officials noting that the evolving espionage landscape has compelled authorities to reassess internal vulnerabilities.