Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
7) What are Spywares? Discuss the problems created by ‘Pegasus’ spyware in snooping the phones of Indian users recently and also discuss the ways to tackle the same. (250 words)
Why this question:
The question is amidst the incidence of the Govt. questioning WhatsApp after spyware was detected for alleged snooping of Indians.
Key demand of the question:
The Centre has sought an explanation from messaging platform WhatsApp after the Facebook-owned company confirmed that some Indian users of its app came under surveillance using an Israeli spyware. One has to explain what are spywares and how should they be handled as a cyber-security threat.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
In brief narrate the recent attack by the spyware.
Body:
Explain the recent incidence of spyware Pegasus.
Discuss the threats such cyber-attacks pose to the national security of the country.
What issues do they pose with respect to privacy safeguards?
Explain the associated risk factors in detail and methods to tackle them.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
