At the global level, Internet is a vibrant reality. A New World Order is emerging with information as its plank. On the domestic turf, the country has set an ambitious agenda for action and aspires to emerge a superpower in Information Technology (IT) and Software Development (SD). Whereas Global Information Infrastructure (GII) and National Information Infrastructure (NII) are fast emerging as vehicles for socioeconomic emancipation; they also sculpt new models for security threats. The Internet offers fresh opportunities not only for cyber terrorism, but also for attack on sovereignty through economic exploitation, spying and destruction of critical infrastructure.

The book broadly examines recommendations of the Task Force for IT and SD and their likely impact on national security. Its other hallmarks are a chapter on cryptography - the new ball game, e-intelligence, e-commerce and a case study of how the Chinese plan to tackle the contentious issues. There is a need to evolve a clear and comprehensive national policy on information security and protection of critical infrastructure.

The author opines that security is not a one-time model, but is dynamic with shifting paradigms. He suggests development of a system of electronic civil defence before it is too late. He enjoins the decision-makers to sit up and take notice of what would happen if we ignore the writing on the cyberwall, 'Secure or Perish'.