Over 100 government websites hacked during January-November 2018: Ahluwalia

PTI Updated - December 19, 2018 at 04:44 PM.

Total number of 53,081 cyber security incidents (including 53 ransomware incidents) were observed during the year 2017, as per CERT-In

File picture illustration of the word 'password' pictured on a computer screen, taken in Berlin May 21, 2013. Security experts warn there is little Internet users can do to protect themselves from the recently uncovered "Heartbleed" bug that exposes data to hackers, at least not until vulnerable websites upgrade their software. Researchers have observed April 8, 2014, sophisticated hacking groups conducting automated scans of the Internet in search of Web servers running a widely used Web encryption program known as OpenSSL that makes them vulnerable to the theft of data, including passwords, confidential communications and credit card numbers. OpenSSL is used on about two-thirds of all Web servers, but the issue has gone undetected for about two years. REUTERS/Pawel Kopczynski/Files (GERMANY - Tags: CRIME LAW SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY)

Over 100 government websites, including some managed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), were hacked this year, Parliament was informed Wednesday.

“As per information reported to and tracked by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), 172 and 105 government websites, which includes 74 and 31 websites hosted on NICNET managed by National Informatics Centre (NIC) were hacked during the year 2017 and 2018 (up to November), respectively,” Minister of State for Electronics and IT, S S Ahluwalia said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

He added that in tune with the dynamic nature of IT and emerging cyber threats, continuous efforts are required to be made by owners to protect networks by way of hardening and deploying appropriate security controls.

Government has taken several measures to enhance the cyber security posture and prevent cyber attacks including breaches and hacking, he further stated.

To another query, Ahluwalia said a total of three, 14 and six financial fraud incidents affecting ATMS, cards, point of sale (PoS) systems and Unified Payment Interface (UPI) have been reported during the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 (up to November), respectively, as per information reported to Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).

Further, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has registered a total of 1,191, 1,372, 2,059 and 921 cases of fraud involving ATM/debit cards, credit cards and Internet banking frauds reported (amount involved Rs 1 lakh and above) during the year 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 (up to September 30, 2018), respectively, he said.

“The CERT-IN issues alerts and advisories regarding latest cyber threats and counter measures on regular basis to ensure safe usage of digital technologies. Regarding securing digital payments, 28 advisories have been issued for users and institutions,” the minister stated.

In response to another question, Ahluwalia said a total number of 53,081 cyber security incidents (including 53 ransomware incidents) were observed during the year 2017, as per CERT-In.

Published on December 19, 2018 11:02