Will the Minister of Electronics & Information Technology be pleased to state:-
(a) whether millions of malware are found on internet websites and in cell phones in the country which lead to cyber crime;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the actions that have been taken by the Government in this regard?
(a) and (b): With the advancements of technology and rise in usage of cyber space, the cyber attacks such as phishing and malicious software or malware are also on the rise. Malware propagate through different methods such as spam and infection on websites. Such phishing and malware target users to trick them to divulge information such as online credentials and steal data from computers facilitating cyber crime. As per information and reports of malware propagation tracked by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), prominent malware affecting computers and cell phones are Android Gooligan, Cerber, Android HummingBad, Ranscam, Nivdort, Xcodeghost, Fleercivet, Locky, Caphaw, Dorkbot, Corebot, Zero Access, Ramnit, etc.
(c): Government has taken following steps for protecting Indian cyber space from malware attacks:
i. CERT-In issues alerts and advisories regarding latest cyber threats, malware and countermeasures on regular basis. Measures to be taken to detect infected systems, tools to dis-infect the same and prevent further propagation are also being advised regularly to organisations and published on website “www.cert-in.org.in” for all users. CERT-In also notifies owners of websites infected by malicious links and advises measures for dis-infection and securing the websites.
ii. CERT-In is working in coordination with Reserve Bank of India and banks to track and disable phishing websites.
iii. Security tips have been published for users to secure their Desktops, Mobile/Smart phones, secure use of Credit/Debit card and preventing phishing attacks.
iv. Government is establishing Botnet cleaning and Malware Analysis centre to detect and clean infected systems in the country.
v. Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology regularly conducts programs to generate information security awareness. Specific book, videos and online materials are developed for children, parents and general users about information security. Information is also disseminated through portals such as “http://infosecawareness.in/” and “http://secureelectronics.in/”.
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