Context:

Indian Army develops end-to-end encrypted mobile ecosystem SAMBHAV (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version).

SAMBHAV: Transforming India’s Defense with Secure Mobile Connectivity

• The SAMBHAV mobile ecosystem aimed at offering secure communication with instant connectivity, even on the move, marking a “significant leap forward” in India’s defense capabilities.
  • This initiative is also consistent with the larger vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. 

• The plan involves configuring 35,000 SAMBHAV sets in two phases

• • First Phase:
    • Objective: Configure 2,500 SAMBHAV sets.
    • Target: Completion by January 15 2024.
  • Second Phase:
    • Task: Complete configuration of remaining SAMBHAV sets.
    • Deadline: May 31, 2024.

• SAMBHAV: India’s Indigenous 5G Secure Mobile Ecosystem for Defense Advancement

  • SAMBHAV is an indigenous, secure, end-to-end mobile ecosystem.
  • It is the Indian Army’s secure 5G-based mobile platform.
  • Developed in collaboration with national centers of excellence from academia and industry.
  • Aligns with India’s efforts towards dual-use infrastructure and civil-military fusion
  • SAMBHAV utilizes commercial cellular networks rather than depending on private networks.

SAMBHAV: Safeguarding India’s Defense with Advanced 5G Secure Mobile Technology

• Addressing Information Security Challenges: 
  • SAMBHAV (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version) serves as a critical solution to address information security challenges faced by the Indian Army.
• Secure Communication: SAMBHAV employs state-of-the-art 5G technology to facilitate end-to-end secure communication while on the move. 
  • This feature is particularly crucial in tactical scenarios where the threat of eavesdropping and data compromise is prevalent.
• Encrypted Ecosystem: The system ensures high data security by implementing multi-layered encryption throughout the mobile ecosystem. 
  • This encryption strategy significantly enhances the protection of sensitive information and prevents unauthorized access.
• Leverages indigenous public cellular networks: SAMBHAV’s network-agnostic nature allows it to operate seamlessly across different networks. 
  • This capability ensures that connectivity, accessibility, and information security remain intact, regardless of the specific cellular network utilized.
• Domestic Solution: SAMBHAV contributes to the nation’s self-reliance goals as an indigenously developed solution. 
  • It eliminates the need to rely on foreign vendors for crucial components, thereby enhancing control over information security.
• Scalability: The system is designed with scalability in mind, aiming to configure 35,000 SAMBHAV sets by mid-2023. 
  • This scalability ensures that the solution can effectively provide security across the Army, especially during mobility and operational activities.

SAMBHAV Challenges: Navigating Interoperability, Cybersecurity, and Financial Realities

• Interoperability Challenges: SAMBHAV may face challenges in ensuring compatibility with existing communication systems and seamless integration with allied forces, requiring additional effort and resources.
• Cybersecurity Concerns: SAMBHAV is not entirely foolproof despite its security features. Continuous updates and improvements are essential to address evolving cybersecurity threats and potential vulnerabilities to sophisticated cyberattacks.      
• Financial Commitment: Sustaining and updating a secure mobile ecosystem such as SAMBHAV might necessitate substantial and continuous financial resources from the government. 

Fortifying India’s Defenses: The Indian Army’s Strategic Focus on Cyber Capabilities

• Cyberspace has emerged as one of the “principle domains of hybrid warfare”, this present both opportunities and threats across the continuum of operations. 
  • This has resulted in the proliferation of networks and IT infrastructure “increasing manifold”. in the Indian Army.
  • The key focus areas are setting up robust cyber security infrastructure, augmenting capability to address cyber threats, integrating cyber capabilities at multiple levels, and adopting a multi-pronged strategy – all geared towards bolstering its cyber prowess.

Strategic Vigilance: The Indian Army’s Multi-Layered Approach to Cyber Defense

• Cyber Defense Triad: The Army has established a robust cyber defense system, involving skilled personnel, institutionalized procedures, and cutting-edge technology.
• Addressing Cyber Threats: Cyberspace is a key domain for hybrid warfare, and the Army is focused on countering cyber threats and security risks arising from network proliferation.
• Augmenting Cyber Capability: Specialized units called Command Cyber Operations Support Wings (CCOSWs) are being set up across commands to enhance the Army’s cyber warfare capabilities.
  • CCOSWs are ‘special sub-units’ to augment cyber capability.
• Multi-layered Approach: The Army integrates cyber capabilities at strategic, operational, and tactical levels through collaboration with national cyber agencies, CCOSWs establishment, and specialized training.
• Comprehensive Cyber Defense: The overall strategy involves setting up robust cybersecurity infrastructure, addressing cyber threats, integrating capabilities at various levels, and adopting a multi-pronged approach to bolster cyber prowess.

News Source: Business Standard