CYBER SECURITY AS A NATIONAL SECURITY IMPERATIVE: EMERGING NON-TRADITIONAL SECURITY THREAT TO INDIA

Cyber security has become a key part of India's national security framework as the country quickly goes digital. As
industries including defence, banking, government, and infrastructure become more reliant on information and
communication technologies, they also become more vulnerable than ever before. Cyber threats, such as statesponsored hacking and spying, financial fraud, ransomware, and disinformation operations, are a complicated and
ever-changing problem for India's internal stability and strategic independence. This article looks at the many
different types of cyber dangers that India faces and how cyberspace is a unique area of non-traditional security. It
looks at the most important deficiencies in areas like energy, banking, healthcare, and defence, and it looks into how
enemies use these weaknesses to hurt national interests. The report also looks at India's institutional and policy
responses, like the roles of CERT-In, NCIIPC, and forthcoming cyber laws, and compares them to the best practices
throughout the world. The paper says that cyber security is no longer just a technical issue; it's a strategic necessity
that needs a broad, multi-stakeholder approach. It does this by looking at real-world events and strategic
assessments. It suggests a full plan that includes changes to the law, improvements to technology, working together
with other countries, and making people more aware of the issue in order to establish strong cyber infrastructure. In
the end, the study shows that India's national security policy needs to include cyber security at its core in order to
protect its sovereignty, economy, and democratic fabric in the digital age.