GCI 2024 assesses country-level cybersecurity commitments across five pillars: legal, technical, organizational, capacity development, and cooperation.
- It uses a new five-tier analysis (Tier 1 to Tier 5) to assess each country's advances with cybersecurity commitments and resulting impacts.
Key highlights
- India among role model countries: 46 countries (including India) are in Tier 1 i.e., “role modelling" countries demonstrating a strong commitment to all five cybersecurity pillars.
- Global Improvement in Cybersecurity: Since 2021 (last GCI was published), all regions have shown improvement and Africa has advanced the most on cybersecurity
- Expansion of digital services: Most countries are either “establishing" (Tier 3) or “evolving" (Tier 4).
- These countries have largely expanded digital services and connectivity but must integrate cybersecurity measures.
Key issues
- Worrisome threats: Ransomware attacks, cyber breaches affecting core industries, costly system outages, etc.
- Prevalence of cybercapacity gap: Limitations in skills, staffing, equipment and funding.
- Operating cybersecurity framework: Putting cybersecurity agreements into practical operation remains challenging.
Key Recommendations
- Developing and regularly updating a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy.
- Capacity building to cybersecurity professionals, youth and vulnerable groups.
- Fostering domestic and international cooperation on information-sharing, training opportunities, etc.
