TNFNew Delhi/ TNF
Twenty years ago, General S. Padmanabhan, a former Army Chief of India, predicted that future wars would not only involve soldiers and tanks but also invisible weapons operated through cyber systems. His words seemed hypothetical at the time, but they were eerily validated during a recent attack in Lebanon on September 17-18, where pager explosions resulted in 37 deaths and over 3,000 injuries. The Lebanese government labeled it a terrorist incident, raising alarms for India’s security agencies.
The Lebanese Attack and Its Implications for India
The shocking events in Lebanon have raised two critical questions for India:
- Can targeted attacks similar to those in Lebanon happen in India using devices?
- How prepared is India to thwart such cyber-attack plans?
These questions arise in the context of India’s significant reliance on electronic and telecom items imported from China and Hong Kong, which account for 56% of the total imports. Given the strained relations between India and China due to ongoing border disputes, the threat is magnified by the fact that only about 10% of these devices are subjected to screening upon entry into the country. The remaining 90% go unchecked, posing a potential security risk.
Experts warn that devices like smartphones, laptops, and smartwatches could be manipulated for malicious purposes, similar to how the pagers were used in Lebanon. Therefore, close monitoring of all imported electronic devices is crucial.
Hybrid Warfare: A New Threat
Retired and current military officers acknowledge that the risk is real, but they emphasize that the Indian armed forces are on high alert. Retired Lieutenant General and defense expert Sanjay Kulkarni describes these emerging threats as part of “hybrid” and “asymmetric warfare,” which can be more dangerous than conventional warfare. In this scenario, every citizen could potentially play a role in both defense and attack.
Kulkarni states that while traditional uniforms may dominate the battlefield, cyber warfare has given rise to experts who engage in combat from behind computer screens. He emphasizes the importance of awareness and training for civilians, urging them to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The Need for Vigilance
The shift towards technology-driven warfare poses a more significant threat to internal security in a diverse democracy like India. If extremists gain access to such technologies, the consequences could be severe. Kulkarni points out that India needs to enhance its intelligence and surveillance systems to counter this evolving threat.
India does have cyber cells dedicated to countering cyber threats, and various organizations monitor activities related to electronic devices. However, experts argue that technology must be improved to enable better tracking of suspicious activities. Given that data from platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter is shared globally, enhancing intelligence gathering becomes critical.
The Risk of Device Manipulation
While pager use is minimal in India, around 600 million people utilize smartphones. Cybersecurity expert Amit Dubey warns that any electronic device can be potentially turned into a bomb if it has a battery and is internet-enabled. Although incidents of devices exploding due to battery faults or manipulation have been reported, the case in Lebanon involved deliberate tampering during the manufacturing process.
Dubey explains that it is challenging to identify which specific devices are used for attacks, as many smartphones are manufactured in India. This complexity necessitates specific intelligence for effective prevention. He advocates for stricter regulations and a third-party testing system to ensure the safety of imported devices.
Could a Similar Attack Happen in India?
Mukesh Chaudhary, a mobile and cybersecurity expert, warns that a Lebanon-style incident is entirely possible in India. He emphasizes that the integrity of devices must be ensured through the “Make in India” initiative, which can help secure the manufacturing process within the country.
Monitoring should be particularly focused on manufacturing and assembly plants to prevent tampering. If intelligence agencies focus only on external security without keeping an eye on domestic production facilities, similar attacks could occur.
Inadequate Scanning of Imports
In Lebanon, the pagers that exploded were from a Taiwanese brand, which were manufactured by a European franchise. In India, electronic items are imported from countries like China, the USA, Germany, Japan, Vietnam, and South Korea.
A senior customs official in Mumbai stated that their department scans only about 10% of incoming shipments, primarily looking for drugs, gold, or explosives. This limited capacity raises concerns about the security of electronic devices entering the country.
The Way Forward
Army officials highlight the risks posed by Chinese drones and equipment, which could compromise military operations. Following intelligence inputs, the Ministry of Defense has prohibited the use of Chinese components in military drones, signaling a recognition of these threats.
In conclusion, while the threat of cyber warfare and attacks using everyday devices is real, India is taking steps to enhance its security measures. The challenges ahead require increased vigilance, better technology, and a collective effort from both security agencies and the public to ensure safety. Will India rise to meet these challenges? Only time will tell.
