Emerging Technologies: A Challenge to National Security

Emerging technology is a term generally used to describe a new technology, but it may also refer to the continuing development of an existing technology.

Challenges

• Technology like unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) could be used to conduct reconnaissance to spoof, distract or desensitize security forces.
• Cyber infiltrators could gain access to control system and thereby facilitate theft or sabotage on cyber space.
• Possibility that terrorist and other adversaries will apply artificial intelligence to help them plan and conduct more efficient terror attacks.
• Cyber Technology is very crucial for Risk of hacking, disruption and potential for sabotage of critical infrastructure.
• Expected introduction of directed energy weapons (DEW) and possible increase in the military exploitation of satellite system for combat purposes.

Emerging Technologies: Solutions to Security Challenges

• Drones/Unmanned aerial vehicle have been used extensively for various purposes like security surveillance across border.
• Remotely operated weapon system can enhance surveillance like chemical and bio detection sensors
• Artificial intelligence can help to counter terrorism and law enforcement informatics via predictive analytics.
• With the help of cyber technology, national security can be enhanced at nuclear power facilities and other complex industrial sites.
• Enhanced human performance includes a wide variety of focus, memory and emotion manipulating neuropharmaceuticals (nootropics), physical performance-enhancing drugs etc.
• Increasing use of outer space for defence and security plays important role in states' intelligence

Way Forward

In this context, there is a need to formulate comprehensive guidelines keeping in view the widespread use of emerging technologies to address security concerns.