Ministry
of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launches Cyber
Swachhta Kendra – Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre
Extending the ‘Swachh Bharat’ campaign to
the cyber world, the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology,
Shri. Ravi Shankar Prasad, today launched the Cyber Swachhta
Kendra–Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre for analysis of
malware and botnets that affect networks and systems. This is a part of
MeitY’s Digital India initiative aimed at creating a secure cyber space
by detecting botnet infections in India and to notify, enable cleaning
and securing systems of end-users to prevent further infections.
The centre is operated by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).The Centre aims to enhance coordination between the Government and industry in order to encourage cyber hygiene among all end-users and to create a secure and safe internet ecosystem in India.
The centre is operated by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).The Centre aims to enhance coordination between the Government and industry in order to encourage cyber hygiene among all end-users and to create a secure and safe internet ecosystem in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ravi Shankar
Prasad, Hon’ble Minister of Electronics and Information Technology
said, “India is going to take a lead in the digitization process of the
world. India today joined the distinguished club of countries that have
malware cleaning systems for the use of its citizens. As of now, we have
13 Banks & internet service providers using this facility. With the
expanding digital footprint in the country, I see a surge in start-ups
in the area of cyber security by the end of the year”
“With the expanding role of Information
and Communication technology across sectors and growth in volume of
transactions and data exchange via internet, Cyber Security as
reiterated by Hon’ble Prime Minister, has emerged as the most critical
factor when we move towards Digital India. Combating cyber threats is
not something that can be done just by the government or an organisation
or an individual alone. It requires a partnership approach. This centre
being launched today will work in coordination with the Internet
Service Providers and Industry. This Kendra will also enhance awareness
among citizens regarding botnet and malware infection along with
measures to be taken to secure their devices”, added Shri Ravi Shankar
Prasad.
The Hon’ble Minister made the following
announcement at the launch of Cyber Swachhta Kendra:
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- The National Cyber Coordination Centre to be operational by June 2017
- Sectoral CERTs to be created, that would operate under CERT-In
- CERTs are to be set up in the state level as well
- 10 more STQC (Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification) Testing Facilities to be set up
- Testing fee for any star-up that comes up with a digital technology in the quest of cyber security, to be reduced by 50%
Empower designated Forensic Labs to work as the certified authority to establish cyber crime
The Centre will operate in close
co-ordination and collaboration with Internet Service Providers (ISP)
and Anti-Virus companies. Whenever an infection is detected, the Centre
will send alerts on the infected IP addresses to the Internet Service
Providers, who in turn will inform the end-user about the malware and
botnet infections on their system. The Centre will also work in close
collaboration with the Banks to detect malware infections in their
banking network and enable remedial actions. The launch of the Centre
will help the Internet service providers and the banks to keep their
networks clean and prevent cases of cyber fraud and theft.
Ms. Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary,
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said, “With the
increased penetration of ICT infrastructure in our country, the threat
of cyber security has become more serious and visible. Today, the common
man is confronted with hacking, spamming, malware and loss of data, yet
public awareness about these issues and how to protect themselves is
extremely low. There is a need to collaborate and come forth with
solutions like the Cyber Swachhta Kendra in order to ensure a safe and
secure cyber world for the citizens of India.”
With the growth in digitalization and
proliferation of broadband and mobile internet, security of end users’
systems is vital for enhancing their trust in ICT and online
transactions. User information from the computer and the mobile devices
can be compromised if systems get affected with Bots. Users therefore
need to practice a rigid cyber hygiene regimen to prevent malware
infections on their systems and to ensure security of their systems
through suitable anti-malware tools. The Cyber Swachhta Kendra will
provide free tools for detection and removal of malicious programmes.
More than 3500 users have currently downloaded and tried the free bot
removal tools till date. The end-user can log on to the Cyber Swachhta
Kendra Portal (www.cyberswachhtakendra.gov.in) and clean their systems
using the free cleaning tools. Users can also educate themselves about
the various cyber threats and get information on the security tips in
order to secure their computers, mobiles and prevent infections in their
systems.
Given below are details of some of the tools released for citizens:
- USB Pratirodh -A desktop security solution, which protects from USB mass storage device threats.
- AppSamvid – A desktop solution which protects systems by allowing installation of genuine applications through white listing. This helps in preventing threats from malicious applications.
- M-Kavach – An indigenously developed solution to address the security threats in mobiles.
For downloading the free bot & malware removal tools, please visit: (www.cyberswachhtakendra.gov.in)
Source: PIB News