Will the Minister of Communications & Information Technology be pleased to state:
(a) whether the virus attacks on the computers are on the rise in the country;
(b) if so, whether any security mechanism has been put in place by the Government to protect the computers from unwanted possible software virus;
(c) whether the Government has formulated any special plan to create awareness among the computer users; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)
(a): With the growth of the cyber space and Information Technology (IT) systems and associated services in all areas worldwide, there is rise in the virus attacks on computers in the country. Some of the latest malware targeting computer systems and mobile devices include Kilim, Bioazih RAT, Android.Badaccents, Cridex Trojan, FakeInst, Android Opfake, Dyreza, ZeroAccess, ZeuS etc.
(b): Incidents of malware infections in Indian cyber space are reported to and tracked by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). CERT-In works with Internet Service Providers to identify the infected systems and organisations. Remedial measures to dis-infect such infected systems and prevent further infections are suggested to the users. Besides, alerts and advisories about the virus threats are being issued regularly by CERT-In on its website www.cert-in.org.in.
CERT-In, Department of Electronics & Information Technology (DEITY) has initiated action with active participation of Service Providers and Industry to set up a centre for detection of computer systems infected by malware and to notify, enable cleaning and securing systems of end users to prevent further malware infections.
(c) and (d): Department of Electronics & Information Technology (DEITY) is conducting programs to generate information security awareness. Specific books, videos and online materials are developed for children, parents and general users about information security which are disseminated through Portals like “www.infosecawareness.in”, “www.secureyourelectronics.in” and “www.cert-in.org.in” .
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