QUESTION 13
GS3
12.5 marks
Discuss the advantages and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in-house machine-based hosting for government businesses.
WRITE IN
9 min
200 words
What the examiner wants
Compare cloud and in-house hosting for government work in terms of benefits and security risks.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Cloud advantages: lower capital cost, scaling, quick deployment, disaster recovery, shared services (MeghRaj)≈35 words
- 2Cloud security: data location and foreign jurisdiction, multi-tenancy, vendor lock-in, provider breaches≈35 words
- 3In-house: more control but costly, outdated security, weak skills - AIIMS ransomware (2022)≈35 words
- 4Safeguards: MeitY empanelment and audits, data localisation, encryption, CERT-In rules, DPDP Act 2023≈35 words
Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.
Answer plan
Two modelsCloud advantagesSecurity risksIn-house risksSafeguards and hybrid model
Where marks usually go
- Assuming in-house is always safer
- No Indian policy reference
Draw this
- Comparison table: cost, scalability, control, security
Value addition
- PolicyGI Cloud (MeghRaj) launched in 2014 to speed up e-governance using cloud.MeitY, 2014
- RuleCERT-In directions (April 2022) require reporting of cyber incidents within six hours.CERT-In, 2022
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 9 minutes, then get it checked.