Menon was speaking at a function organised by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here, on the occasion of the National Technology Day.
The Information Communication Technology (ICT) has made an enormous difference to the way in which we look at and deal with our security, an official release quoted Menon as saying.
"It has created a new domain of contention namely cyber space, where war, espionage, surveillance, control and all the traditional security functions, activities and crimes take place," he said.
Menon also highlighted that ICT has brought power to non- state actors and individuals, to small groups such as terrorists. "The cocktail of social media, 24-hour television, NGOs and Special Forces create a virtual reality, which soon has effects in the real world.
"These are not just law and order problems, and they are not amendable to the traditional responses that states are accustomed to," he said.
Stating that terrorism is now technologically-enabled and knows no boundaries, Menon said internet has provided jehadi and other terrorists, separatists and Left Wing Extremists with an effective means of recruitment, propaganda and communication.
"There is a risk that we are ceding this space to our enemies, and as a consequence, also losing the battle for the minds of the young, who depend increasingly on the internet for their information and opinion," he said. (More)