Sounding a note of caution about misuse of information technology, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said here on Monday terrorist organisation ISIS is one of the “best users” of Internet to promote its cause and recruit fighters.
“One can take the example of terrorist organisations like Daesh or ISIS. They use the internet to ensure a lot of recruitment or support, and they are one of the best users of Internet technology for promoting their cause,” he said and warned against information blackout which can be caused by various destructive mechanisms.
Inaugurating a seminar organised by Corps of Signals, Parrikar called for proper use of information technology and in that context gave the example of ISIS adding future wars might be fought in the cyberspace. He called for enhanced capabilities to ensure protection from disruptive cyber attacks or manipulations.
Observing that information technology has an important role to play because “future wars may be cyber wars,” Parrikar, however, asserted that boots on the ground cannot be replaced. “Ultimately conventional armies cannot be replaced but they can be equipped with equipment which will provide them with all the information to fight with a well decided and well planned way without getting interrupted.”
On the issue of information blackout, the Minister said information corruption can be another danger to the platform which “we use,” adding that information overload is also a problem. He also commented that due to overload, seeking vital information out of that becomes something like “finding a needle in a haystack.”
Parrikar said the Indian Army should not only use the digital advantage but also protect itself against destructive technology of adversaries.. Noting that India is in forefront of software development, he said one needs better hardware designing and integration in our system.
Assuring that the new Defence Procurement Procedure was at an “advanced stage,” and expected to be in place in the near future, he said focus is on more indigenisation. However, it cannot happen overnight because even with best efforts, only 10 per cent increase can be achieved, Parrikar said.
Corps of Signals chief lt General Nitin Kohli said the Indian Army is moving towards net centricity and is implementing a large number of communications and information technology projects.