General Studies III · Topic
Communication networks cyber security and money laundering
Official syllabus
Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention.
UPSC CSE 2026 notification
What this covers
This syllabus clause joins several distinct pathways: communication systems can carry information and attacks; media shape public understanding; cyber security protects systems and data; financial intelligence helps detect suspect flows. A cyber incident is not automatically terrorism, and a suspicious transaction is not a conviction.
Key ideas
- Communication-network vulnerabilities
- Media and social platforms
- Cyber security
- Money laundering
- Coordination and safeguards
Subtopics 5
- 01Communication-network vulnerabilitiesA communication network depends on devices, software, connections, power and human operation.
- 02Media and social networking sitesMedia and social platforms can inform the public, amplify rumours, document events and enable coordination.
- 03Cyber-security basicsCyber security protects digital systems and information from unauthorized access, disruption or manipulation.
- 04Money launderingMoney laundering concerns processing proceeds of crime to disguise their illicit origin.
- 05Prevention coordination and safeguardsPrevention works differently for digital systems, public communication and financial flows.