“Cyber capabilities would soon assume the proportions of Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and would become points of negotiations between nations,” Dr Kalam said, while delivering 7th R N Kao memorial lecture organised by research and analysis wing (R&AW), here on Thursday.

Dr Kalam said that the country should upgrade technology and invest in cyber security to deal with cyber security.

“I have two suggestions for countering the cyber security threat. One is technology upgrade in cyber security and second is investment and education in cyber security,” he said.

Intelligence agencies must continuously upgrade their technical capabilities - be it signal and communications intelligence, interception, monitoring and information sharing mechanisms, he said.

Citing China’s capabilities in the domain, wherein hacking is institutionalised and virus writing is taught in military schools, he said, “There is a need to call in professionals - scientists, computer software and hardware experts - to impart latest skills in computer hacking and cyber warfare.”

Noting that cyber security requires investment in people and systems, he said that India has an abundance of raw IT talent and the best can be channelled for cyber security. “Our technology institutions like Indian institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian institute of science (IISc) should significantly enhance their research on cyber security with an active participation from the Industry,” he said.

He said that an empowered coordinating agency and government policy are critical to success in cyber space. “A single national agency is required, which must receive information about all attacks. We cannot fight these attacks alone – information sharing is critical.”