As the government prepares for the next population census, cyber security is emerging as a central operational concern, with experts maintaining that as much as a quarter of the total budget may need to be allocated to securing digital systems.
The shift to app-based data collection for the first time, replacing paper schedules with mobile and web platforms, has significantly expanded the risk surface, exposing the exercise to threats ranging from data leaks to system disruption.
The scale of the exercise — covering more than 1.4 billion people — means cybersecurity is no longer a back-end technology issue but a core governance challenge. With millions of enumerators using hand-held devices and temporary logins, the census will involve one of the largest real-time data collection exercises undertaken anywhere in the world.
“Key measures include end-to-end encryption, multi-layered security protocols for mobile applications and web portals, and stringent access controls. For such a critical initiative, around 25–30% of the overall budget should be earmarked for cybersecurity,” Chetan Jain, founder and managing director at Inspira Enterprises, told Fe.
Securing Data Lifecycles
Unlike earlier censuses, where physical forms limited exposure, the digital format requires protection across the entire data lifecycle — from the moment information is captured in the field to its storage, processing and eventual use.
Any breach or prolonged disruption could undermine the integrity of official statistics and erode public trust in one of the country’s most important administrative exercises.
Security experts point out that the first layer of defence lies at the device and application level. Enumerators will rely on smartphones, tablets and hand-held devices, making endpoint security critical. Data must be encrypted at the point of collection and remain protected during transmission and storage.
“Common best practices include hardened device configurations, regular updates, and the use of multi-layered mobile security and anti-malware solutions. In scenarios where enumerators use personal devices, periodic checks for basic cyber hygiene are generally part of the overall risk management approach,” Jaydeep Ruparelia, CEO of cybersecurity firm Infopercept, said.
Applications built for the census must follow security-by-design principles, with extensive testing and safeguards to ensure that data is automatically deleted from devices once successfully transmitted. This reduces the risk of data exposure in the event of device loss or compromise.
Identity and access management is another critical pillar, particularly because the census relies on a large, temporary workforce. Experts recommend strict role-based and time-bound access, supported by multi-factor authentication such as PINs or biometrics. Access rights must be revoked immediately once assignments end, limiting the risk of misuse or insider threats.
Infrastructure and Resilience
At the infrastructure level, secure and geographically distributed data centres will be essential to ensure resilience and continuity. Continuous monitoring systems will be required to detect suspicious activity or attempted intrusions in real time, allowing authorities to respond without disrupting field operations.
Supply-chain risks also loom large. With multiple technology vendors, device suppliers and software providers involved, vulnerabilities in any single component could cascade across the system. According to experts, vendors must be subjected to continuous audits, with strong contractual safeguards and a zero-trust approach to access.
There is also growing emphasis on data sovereignty, with policymakers keen to ensure that sensitive population data remains within the government’s control and aligns with broader national security objectives.
Beyond system-level risks, officials will also need to guard against fraud targeting citizens. “Specific measures, including public awareness campaigns, are required to warn citizens about fraudulent websites or phone calls impersonating census officials,” Jain said.
