Context

India showed a significant improvement in the GCI ranking by reaching 37 places upward. It is ranked 10th in the 4th edition of the Global Cybersecurity Index 2020 (GCI).

About

About the Global Cybersecurity Index 2020

• The index is released by the United Nations (UN) agency for information and communication technologies (ITU).
• It was the 4^th edition of the GCI ranking.
• It measures the commitment of countries to cybersecurity at a global level.
• Pillars: The GCI index is based on the countries commitment to 5 pillars namely:Legal, Technical, Organizational, Capacity development and Cooperation.
  
  

Key-findings of the index

• Overall ranking: USA, UK, Saudi Arabia, and Estonia are ranked at top 3 positions, respectively, in the Index.
• The UK and Saudi Arabia are placed in 2^nd position together.
• The top rank in the GCI was secured by the US with a score of 100.
• In the Asia Pacific region, South Korea and Singapore ranked at the top with a score of 98.52, tied for the fourth spot globally.
• The list featured China at the 33rd spot and Pakistan at the 79th spot in the GCI 2020 report.
• India’s ranking: India ranked 10th in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2020 (GCI).
• India also ranked 4th in the Asia-Pacific region.
• In the last edition of the GCI in 2018, India was placed at the 47th spot.
• India achieved a consolidated score of 97.5.
• The score is based on 20 indicators under 5 pillars.

United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs. It helps in allocating the global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develop the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect, and strive to improve access to ICTs to underserved communities worldwide. ITU is committed to connecting all the world's people wherever they live and whatever their means.  ITU brings the benefits of modern communication technologies to people everywhere in an efficient, safe, easy, and affordable manner. It also released the Global Cybersecurity Agenda. Global Cybersecurity Agenda (GCA) It was launched in 2007 by ITU. Global Cybersecurity Agenda (GCA) is a framework for international cooperation aimed at enhancing confidence and security in the information society. The GCA is designed for cooperation and efficiency, encouraging collaboration with and between all relevant partners and building on existing initiatives to avoid duplicating efforts.

Significance

• It aims to raise awareness of the importance and different dimensions of the issue. 
• The GCI will help to promote further action towards secure digital ecosystems needed for recovery and growth.
• It will also help address the growing cyber capacity gap between developed and developing countries by fostering knowledge, upskilling, and building competencies.