Kochi, Kerala: Addressing Cyber Security in the Digital Age
As nations increasingly battle the twin threats of weaponized misinformation and AI-driven narratives, Lt Gen (Retd.) M. U. Nair, PVSM, AVSM, SM—Former National Cyber Security Coordinator—has emphasized the urgent need for a new global and national framework grounded in trust, transparency, and collective resilience. Speaking at c0c0n 2025, a pivotal cybersecurity conference in India, he addressed the rising sway of “deep state” operations during a thought-provoking panel discussion.
Panel Discussion Insights
The session, titled “Countering the Deep State Narrative: Transparency, Trust, and Cyber Resilience,” featured notable figures like Antriksh Shah, Jairam Ramesh, Christopher Dio Chavez, and Ankit Ashokan IPS. Together, they engaged in a deep dive into the challenges posed by digital disinformation and the pressing need for cohesive strategies.
The Democratization of Disruption
Drawing from his extensive experience in national security, Lt Gen Nair highlighted how technology has drastically altered the landscape of influence. He described it as having “democratized disruption,” asserting that manipulation of public discourse has become accessible to almost anyone, thanks to the proliferation of social media and AI tools.
“In the past, disinformation required extensive networks and resources. Today, one individual can create the same level of impact,” he warned, emphasizing that the barriers to manipulation have evaporated. The challenge has evolved beyond mere cybersecurity; it now demands a focus on “trust security.” Maintaining public confidence in legitimate institutions, data, and communication channels is vital.
Trust: The Cornerstone of Society
Lt Gen Nair elaborated on the concept of the “deep state narrative,” viewing it as a symptom of eroded societal trust. In an era where misinformation flourishes in the void left by credible information, he argued that merely having advanced cybersecurity measures isn’t sufficient.
“It’s not enough to react to societal crises; trust must be nurtured through transparency and ethical governance,” he said. He drew parallels to global disinformation campaigns that have swayed elections and public opinion, underscoring that resilience involves ensuring institutions and citizens are well-informed and interconnected.
Disinformation as a Weapon
Reflecting on his tenure in national security, he stated that disinformation has always served as a weapon, evolving from ancient warfare to modern geopolitical strategies. However, he lamented the fact that digital platforms have heightened its potential for rapid dissemination and psychological impact.
“A message from one part of the globe can shape perspectives universally within seconds,” Nair pointed out. He stressed the importance of creating ethical and human guardrails around AI tools that have introduced vulnerabilities, such as deepfakes capable of distorting the essence of truth.
Emphasizing Human Oversight
One of Nair’s key arguments is that the responsibility for interpreting and acting on information should always rest with human judgment. “We cannot relinquish decision-making entirely to algorithms,” he cautioned. In contexts ranging from governance to finance and defense, human oversight must remain paramount.
He proposed the development of a robust framework focusing on People, Process, and Technology, wherein awareness and governance collaboratively evolve. “Countering disinformation is not solely about quick fact-checks; it’s about cultivating public discernment,” he added, highlighting the roles of education and digital literacy in combating misinformation.
A Call for Global Cooperation
Nair urged for the establishment of a global council or trust framework to authenticate digital content. This would involve mechanisms such as timestamps, device-level data verification, and standardized content provenance to establish a clear distinction between what is real and what is synthetic.
“Without a universally accepted method for validating information, we risk plunging into ‘epistemic chaos,’” he warned. This chaos threatens the foundations of governance and democratic practices alike, exacerbating the risks of misinformation.
Corporate Responsibility and Accountability
Other speakers on the panel resonated with Nair’s urgent call for accountability. Jairam Ramesh underscored the need for AI disclosure norms, advocating that any AI-generated content should be traceable. Ankit Ashokan emphasized awareness and education as pivotal in strengthening societal resilience against misinformation.
Moreover, Antriksh Shah and Christopher Dio Chavez discussed the dual role of corporations, arguing that they can either foster disinformation through algorithms or actively work to mitigate it. They advocated for corporate responsibility to be treated as integral as cybersecurity preparedness.
Building a Resilient Information Ecosystem
As the discussion drew on, Lt Gen Nair reiterated that the foundation of cyber resilience lies in societal trust, more than in technological fortifications. “Trust is the ultimate firewall. Once it’s lost, no encryption can restore it.”
His call to action centers on the need for collaborative efforts among governments, corporations, and global institutions to enhance information authenticity, cultivate ethical AI governance, and promote citizen awareness. This triad—transparency, trust, and resilience—is positioned as critical for the continued health of cybersecurity in the digital age.
As the landscape of information becomes increasingly fraught with uncertainty, the imperative for immediate action has never been clearer. The path forward demands a collective commitment to safeguarding the integrity of our shared digital spaces.
