Hack alert

·       According to the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), India is one of the most vulnerable countries with regard to cyber attacks.

·       The primary factors responsible for the increased risk to critical digital infrastructure is wider adoption of the internet, smartphones and other connected devices, growing digital interconnectivity across sectors and lack of awareness.

·       Among 60 countries, India is ranked 15^th in terms of cybersecurity.

·       Nearly 39% of these alerts remain unattended due to the lack of required skill sets according to a report by Cisco Systems.

·       In July 2018, an ATM scam was reported in Kolkata, which resulted in losses of over Rs 2 million, affecting more than 75 people.

·       In August 2018, criminals were accused of making fraudulent bank transfers by stealing SIM card information.

·       In the same month, Pune-headquartered Cosmos Bank lost nearly$13.5 million when anonymous hackers stole customer information by installing malware on the firm’s ATM server, and then conducted globally coordinated withdrawals in 28 countries.

·       The bank lost another $2 million when hackers made three unauthorized transfers to a Hong Kong-based company’s account.

·       Aadhar has also fallen prey to multiple breaches.

·       Further, since the digitalization of govt. operations, around 700 hacks into the state and central govt. websites have been reported in the LokSabha.

·       Government measures:

·       3 ways to secure national cyberspace

·       In 2008, Govt. enacted Information Technology(Amendment) Act, 2008—to cater to the cybersecurity needs of the country.

·       In 2013, the Govt. announced the National Cyber Security Policy with the aim of integrating all cybersecurity initiatives and tackling cybercrime.