Fostering a secure global ecosystem

A shared regulatory framework is vital to ensure a robust digital landscape and a secure interconnected Digital Public Infrastructure

- NSN MURTY & YUKTI SHARMA

In an increasingly interconnected world, the digital landscape has become a critical component of public infrastructure. Governments rely on digital systems for essential services, economic stability, and national security. However, as our reliance on digital technologies grows, so does the vulnerability of these systems to cyber threats. The Group of Twenty (G20) nations, a forum of the world's major economies, has recognised the imperative for collaborative cybersecurity efforts to secure digital public infrastructure.

Digital infrastructure includes physical and digital assets, and with the proliferation of technology, these systems now encompass everything from power grids to government operations and healthcare databases. Security of these interconnected systems is paramount in the digital age, as a breach can have cascading effects across multiple sectors.

Cyber-attacks on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) assets, including data, cloud services, and devices, can disrupt essential services, compromise sensitive data, and undermine national security. For example, a cyberattack on a power grid could result in widespread outages, affecting everything from homes to hospitals while attacks on financial institutions could lead to economic instability. To safeguard these critical components, a shared regulatory framework is essential, ensuring a robust digital landscape.