Tackling cyber crimes is real challenge: Rajnath Singh

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
08-September, 2015 18:02 IST
Tackling cyber crimes is real challenge: Rajnath Singh

The Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh called upon the CISF officers to prepare themselves to effectively meet the emerging challenges posed by new forms of terrorism, insurgency and stressed upon the growing role of CISF in the changing security scenario, particularly in key areas like VIP security, Disaster Management, Government building security and aviation security.

Addressing at the Passing out parade of 29th batch Asst.Commandants/ Direct Appointee, 9th batch of Asst. Commandants/ Departmental Entry and 41 st batch of Sub-Inspectors at National Industrial Security Academy (NISA), Hyderabad today, he said that the force has to improve its core competence in newer areas of crime, like dealing with cyber crimes, as the globe was going digital. He said that the initiatives were launched to take the head count of the force from the present 1.36 lakh to an estimated two lakh.

The Union Home Minister pointed out that anti-national forces were constantly trying to destabilize India’s economy that was expected to reach a whopping Rs.7 trillion, up from the present Rs.2 trillion, thanks to the efforts of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. He also said there was a need to increase the number of women personnel, up to one-third of the overall strength of the force. He informed that the CISF is actively involved in the developmental activities at the areas affected by Left-wing extremism.

Shri Rajnath Singh said that the special Security audit needed is for the proper and optimal utilization of security forces. At present the women share is in the force is just at 5.04 per cent. Like in the Union Terror ties, in all para-military forces, women will be recruited by providing 33 per cent reservations, he added.

CISF’s Director-General, Shri Surender Singh wanted the officers to be geared up and ever-ready to combat different types of challenges. Explaining that the force was evolving in tune with the changing times, he expressed confidence that training given at NISA would help them deliver what was required. He said that there were constant efforts to make NISA a world-class training provider.

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[Hindustani78]

Anti-India forces conspiring to target strategic assets: Rajnath Singh | Zee News

Last Updated: Tuesday, September 8, 2015 - 20:26
Hyderabad: Unable to stomach the country's rapid growth, anti-India forces are conspiring to inflict losses on strategic and critical installations in a bid to weaken its economy, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said here on Tuesday.

Singh said India is counted among one of the biggest 'Emerging Economies' in the world and the country is poised to become a USD seven trillion economy in the next five to eight years from the present USD two trillion.

"I am confident about it. India's reputation has also increased in the international community. Anti-India forces are not able to digest these trends and they want to damage India's important strategic and sensitive installations," he said after reviewing the passing out parade of Assistant Commandants and Sub-Inspectors of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), at the National Industrial Security Academy (NISA) here.

"They (anti-India forces) will make continuous attempts to weaken India from economic and strategic point of view. And hence, you (CISF) need to face this challenge and I am hopeful you will emerge victorious," Singh said.

Noting that terrorism is a big threat not only to India but to the whole world, the Minister said terror attacks have a long term impact on people.

"Anti-national forces are constantly keeping an eye on India and we need to give them a befitting reply. Such forces will make all out efforts to decimate India and there are no two opinions on this."

Singh wondered why such forces resort to terror strikes on a peace-loving country like India, which is the only country that propagated the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the entire world is a family).

"I am fully confident, that our para-military forces, our armed forces and CISF personnel have gained enough core competence to fight terrorism. I have full confidence that in case terrorists plan to attack any important strategic installation in the country you will foil their designs," he said.

The Minister also said 'Cyber Terrorism' is an upcoming challenge wherein attackers use digital routes to target important installations. "I have been told the CISF personnel are imparted advanced training to tackle this menace."

PTI


First Published: Tuesday, September 8, 2015 - 20:26

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad lighting the lamp at the launch of the Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre), in New Delhi on February 21, 2017.

The Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad launching the Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre), in New Delhi on February 21, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Ms. Aruna Sundararajan is also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...-swachhta-kendra-to-protect-citizens-4536440/
M-Kavach tool offers a comprehensive mobile device security solution for Android devices addressing threats related to mobile phones.

By: IANS | New Delhi | Published:February 21, 2017 7:10 pm
At a time when cyber attacks are increasing, the government through its Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in) on Tuesday launched “Cyber Swachhta Kendra” — a new desktop and mobile security solution for a secure cyber space in the country. The new solution will notify, enable cleaning and secure systems of end-users to prevent further infections.

“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 and 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,” said Union IT and Electronics Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad at the event here.

“This centre will work in coordination with the internet service providers (ISPs) 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”, Prasad added.

The minister also announced that the National Cyber Coordination Centre will be operational by June 2017.

The government also announced it would set up CERT-Ins at the state level as well.

“The government will set up 10 more STQC (Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification) testing Facilities. Testing fee for any start-up that comes up with a digital technology in the quest of cyber security will be reduced by 50 per cent. We will also empower designated forensic labs to work as the certified authority to establish cyber crime,” Prasad noted.

Part of the solution, USB Pratirodh is a desktop security solution that controls the usage of removable storage media like pen drives, external hard drives and other USB-supported mass storage devices.

M-Kavach tool offers a comprehensive mobile device security solution for Android devices addressing threats related to mobile phones.

AppSamvid is a desktop solution which protects systems by allowing installation of genuine applications through white listing. This helps in preventing threats from malicious applications.

The move comes at a time when over 50,300 cybersecurity incidents like phishing, website intrusions and defacements, virus and denial of service attacks have been observed in the country during 2016.

“As per the information reported to and tracked by Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), a total number of 44,679, 49,455 and 50,362 cyber security incidents were observed during the years 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively,” Minister of State for Electronics and IT PP Chaudhary said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha earlier this month.

The Cyber Swachhta Kendra is part of the government of India’s Digital India initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

“With the increased penetration of ICT infrastructure in our country, the threat of cyber security has become more serious and visible. 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,” said Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary, MeitY.

According to Saket Modi, CEO and Co-founder of Delhi-based IT risk assessment and digital security services provider Lucideus, the launch of the Botnet cleaning centre in India is a much-needed move.

“The potential scale at which this centre can operate will clearly make this the largest in the world considering the size of the Indian internet ecosystem which has over half a billion people online and over 250 million smartphones and one billion mobile phones across the country,” Modi told IANS.

Botnets fundamentally is a programme which is automated and runs on a computing device which can be any IoT/smart device.

The popular attacks that happen these days using botnets are called the Distributed Detail of Service (DDOS) attacks.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Electronics & IT
22-February, 2017 13:29 IST
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.


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:


· 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)

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Electronics & IT
11-April, 2017 15:06 IST
G 20 Digital Ministers’ Meet on Digital Economy Better International Cooperation Needed to Check Cyber Crimes and Cyber Terrorism - Ravi Shankar Prasad

India supports better international cooperation in cyber security to fight against growing cybercrime and cyber terrorism. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon’ble Union Minister for Electronics & IT and Law and Justice expressed these views at the bilateral meeting held in Germany during G20 Digital Ministers meeting on Digital Economy. He also offered to share India’s experience in carrying out digital India initiatives with other digital economies. He said that India is also of the view that multi stakeholders model is the best option for the spread of digitalization and added that border should not be an impediment in the way of mobility of professionals and information. Bilateral engagements were held with representatives of Russian federation, Indonesia, Germany, United Kingdom, Argentina, Singapore, China, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and International Telecommunication Union ITU)


The G20 Digital Ministerial Meeting was held in Dusseldorf, Germany. G20 cooperation on the Digital Economy has become a special priority, subsequent to the adoption of Digital Economy Development and Cooperation Initiative in the 2016 Hangzhou Summit, under the Chinese Presidency. The German Presidency has carried this forward, and, realizing the potential of digital technologies and its wide impact on the overall economy, has elevated the Digital Economy Task Force to the Ministerial level.


The G20 Ministers expressed their warm appreciation for the accomplishments of the Digital India programme. They noted how Digital India is provisioning a unique digital identity – cheaply, securely, and with privacy – to 1.1 billion citizens via Aadhaar. They appreciated India’s historic digital payment push through innovative and indigenous solutions like UPI, DBT, BHIM and AADHAR enabled payment systems, based on easily accessible mobile platforms. They observed how India has leveraged 250,000 Common Service Centres to drive digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, digital services, and productivity across rural India’s grassroots, empowering India’s less privileged citizens. The G20 Ministers particularly noted how Digital India’s digital literacy mission is transforming digital accessibility for 60 million households. OECD, as an invitee, made a special mention of how India has emerged as one of the world’s most vibrant e-commerce environments and startup nations.


The Hon’ble Minister, in his interventions, highlighted how India – as the world’s fastest growing major economy – was harnessing digital technology as a major inclusion and growth mechanism. He emphasized how Digital India is bringing a transformative change through various schemes, harnessing the potential of a young Indian demography, and so driving a successful Digital Economy. He explained the Government’s driving motivation in advancing the Digital India programme, “Digital technologies and the internet, which represents some of the finest creations of the human mind are today a ‘global common good’; which we can harness for bridging the digital divide, empowering and improving the quality of life for our citizens.”


The Hon’ble Minister also highlighted Digital India’s unprecedented effort to drive affordability in digital technologies, including creation of low cost digital identity infrastructure called AADHAR, laying down an optical fibre infrastructure to reach all Gram Panchayats under BharatNet, developing Apps and solutions for digital payments, ensuring participative Governance through MyGov and using these digital technologies while ensuring privacy and security through a robust cyber infrastructure.


The Hon’ble Minister emphasized how India is advancing in the knowledge economy by catalyzing innovation. He said: “We believe that innovation is key to our success as a digital economy. India today has one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems with over 4000 startups every year working in emerging technology areas including IoT, data analytics, Block Chains and machine learning. Many of these startups are also in the forefront of developing solutions to many of our grand challenges in areas such as health and education.”


The Hon’ble Minister particularly emphasised that India, as a leading supplier of IT/ITeS services and skilled technology manpower to the world, would be happy to share its experience and knowledge with its partners across the developing world. He noted that the Digital India model – engaging, as it does, issues of digital inclusion and divide that are experienced across the developing world – may offer insight and input to emerging nations’ digital programmes.


Noting the Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi's description “that cyber attacks are akin to a bloodless war”, Hon’ble Minister called for G20 countries to actively cooperate in combating cyber crimes and cyber terrorism.


India’s interests have been effectively conveyed to the G20 forum, and suitably reflected in the Ministerial Declaration and Roadmap. This includes unleashing the potential of Digital Economy to drive digital inclusion and reducing digital divide, improved connectivity, digital literacy and skills. India’s essential interests in a strong digital economy, open and secure internet with localized content, free flow of information and mobility of professionals across borders have also been highlighted.

Ministry of Finance
11-April, 2017 17:59 IST
GST network free from cyber-attack and data theft


Till 7:00 Pm on 1st March, 2017, 48,48,641 taxpayers had enrolled on GST portal (www.gst.gov.in )

Necessary steps are being taken by GSTN to ensure robust cyber security of GST Network. To ensure the same, inputs from National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC), officers from the Intelligence Bureau and CERT-In, have also been taken and various aspects relating to security including the mechanism to enhance the resilience of critical and sensitive GST IT Network have been examined. GSTN has also partnered with Standardisation Testing & Quality Certification (STQC), Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) for providing security audit and compliance support to GSTN.

This was stated by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.


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[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey at the 16th Annual Convocation 2017 of Institute of Information Technology and Management (IITM), Janakpuri, in New Delhi on May 31, 2017.

The Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey addressing at the 16th Annual Convocation 2017 of Institute of Information Technology and Management (IITM), Janakpuri, in New Delhi on May 31, 2017.

The Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey in a group photograph, at the 16th Annual Convocation 2017 of Institute of Information Technology and Management (IITM), Janakpuri, in New Delhi on May 31, 2017.

The Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey in a group photograph, at the 16th Annual Convocation 2017 of Institute of Information Technology and Management (IITM), Janakpuri, in New Delhi on May 31, 2017.

The Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey in a group photograph, at the 16th Annual Convocation 2017 of Institute of Information Technology and Management (IITM), Janakpuri, in New Delhi on May 31, 2017.

The Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey in a group photograph, at the 16th Annual Convocation 2017 of Institute of Information Technology and Management (IITM), Janakpuri, in New Delhi on May 31, 2017.

The Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey in a group photograph, at the 16th Annual Convocation 2017 of Institute of Information Technology and Management (IITM), Janakpuri, in New Delhi on May 31, 2017.

The Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey in a group photograph, at the 16th Annual Convocation 2017 of Institute of Information Technology and Management (IITM), Janakpuri, in New Delhi on May 31, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Communications & Information Technology
15-June, 2017 18:42 IST
There is an urgent need for developing ‘common minimum agreement’ for cyber security issues-Manoj Sinha

Invites world leaders to invest in India due to exponential improvement in ease of doing business

Shri Sinha calls for migrating from Information Societies’ to ‘knowledge societies’ to serve the mankind

Minister of Communications Shri Manoj Sinha has called for migrating from ‘Information Societies’ to ‘knowledge societies’ so as to ensure that information is not only created and disseminated but also put to the service of mankind. Speaking at the World Summit on Information Society, WSIS Forum-2017 at Geneva, he particularly drew attention of the Ministers across the world, towards the unfinished work of Tunis Agenda in this regard. In order to implement this ambitious agenda, he called for establishing ‘solidarity fund’ and ‘technology facilitation mechanism’.

Shri Sinha urged developing countries, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Land Locked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to exploit the advantages of ICT in their governance and social programming’s as these are low hanging fruits with potential to provide exponentially higher returns over the traditional system. In order to implement the WSIS+10 Agenda, Shri Sinha referred to the commitments made in Addis Ababa Action Agenda on financing for development, where international cooperation and flow of financial resources from developed countries towards developing countries were specifically agreed. He also called for ensuring central role of governments in managing internet security and urgent need for developing ‘common minimum agreement’ for cyber security issues.

Shri Sinha specially pitched for ensuring global nature of investment competencies, technology, open and secure internet so as to effectively use ICTs for implementation of SDGs. He called for free, fair and speedy movement of expertise for attaining the WSIS goals and assured full support of India, in this regard.

He termed building global consensus to address priorities and challenges, development of national plans and effective participation of stakeholders at all levels of governance as key to successful implementation of ICTs. Highlighting the exponential improvement in ease of doing business under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he invited the world leaders to invest in India and welcomed the developing countries particularly LDCs to come forward and learn from the technology, processes & procedures, and best practices followed by India in harnessing ICTs for fulfilling its developmental and social agenda.

Speaking at High level policy session, Secretary (Telecom), Ms. Aruna Sundararajan pitched for building an environment of confidence and security for ICT which has become the lifeline of the world. She highlighted India’s holistic approach in addressing ICT security issues through comprehensive regulatory framework in financial sector, and through proper telecom infrastructure and enforcement mechanism.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Finance
01-August, 2017 17:51 IST
Measures to check cyber crimes in Banking System

As per data reported by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the number of cyber crime pertaining to credit card, ATM, debit card and Internet banking shows a marginal increase of 4.4% from 13,083 in 2014-15, to 13,653 in 2016-17.

RBI has issued Cyber Security Framework in Banks, mandating banks to put in place a Board-approved cyber-security policy, which covers the risks from cyber threats and the measures to address/ mitigate these risks.

RBI has issued instructions to banks for reversal of erroneous debits arising from fraudulent or other transactions, and for Board-approved bank policy to cover customer protection, the mechanism of compensating the customer for the unauthorised electronic banking transactions, and display of the same on the bank’s website, along with the details of grievance-handling / escalation procedure. Under the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, if a customer does not receive any reply within a period of one month after receipt of representation by the bank or is not satisfied with the reply given, he can file a complaint before the Ombudsman, who can ask the bank to pay compensation of up to Rs. 20 lakh to the customer for loss, suffered by the customer due to an act of omission of the bank, and also compensation of up to Rs. 1 lakh for mental agony and harassment.

This was stated by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State for Finance in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.



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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Electronics & IT
01-August, 2017 19:15 IST
Justice Krishna to head expert group on Data Protection Framework for India

Recognising the importance of data protection and keeping personal data of citizens secure and protected, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India has, on 31st July 2017, constituted a Committee of Experts under the Chairmanship of Justice B N Srikrishna, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India and comprising of members from Government, Academia and Industry to study and identify key data protection issues and recommend methods for addressing them. The committee will also suggest a draft Data Protection Bill. Protection of Data is expected to provide big boost to Digital economy of the country.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
19-September, 2017 13:18 IST
Union Home Minister reviews measures to check cybercrime in the financial sector

Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting of all concerned agencies and representatives of certain States to review the measures being taken to arrest the growing trend of cybercrime in the financial sector. He expressed concern over the disturbing rise in cyber frauds using cards and e-wallets in particular.

The strategies being adopted to check financial cybercrimes were discussed in detail. Officers from various agencies made presentations and appraised the Home Minister of the current trends of financial cybercrimes in the country and the steps being taken by their agencies to address this challenge.

It has been noted that both legal and technological steps need to be taken to address this situation. Capacity Building of various stakeholders such as police officers, judicial officers, forensic scientists as well as officials in the banking sector has been identified as a key measure. It has been decided to expedite the implementation of cybercrime prevention initiatives in these agencies towards this end along with measures required to acquire critical cyber forensics equipment.

The Union Home Minister directed all concerned agencies to undertake required measures in a time bound manner and emphasized on coordination of all concerned agencies in this regard. It was decided that an inter-ministerial committee may be set up to identify action points and monitor the implementation.

The meeting was attended by Union Home Secretary, Secretary Department of Financial Services, Secretary MeitY, Director Intelligence Bureau, Commissioner of Police Delhi and National Cyber Security Coordinator.

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The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh chairing a meeting to review the measures to check cybercrime in the financial sector, in New Delhi on September 19, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...adicalisation-cyber-fraud/article20104313.ece

New Delhi, November 10, 2017 18:30 IST
Updated: November 10, 2017 18:30 IST

Two new divisions, Counter Terrorism and Counter Radicalisation (CTCR) and Cyber and Information Security (CIS), have been created.

The Union Home Ministry on Friday created new divisions to check radicalisation and cyber fraud as part of a major rejig of some of its crucial wings.

Two new divisions, Counter Terrorism and Counter Radicalisation (CTCR) and Cyber and Information Security (CIS), have been created.

The CTCR division will devise quick strategies for de- radicalisation and to check terrorism, an order issued by the Home Ministry said. It will prepare action plans for combating terrorism and radicalisation with definite deliverables and timelines, officials said.

Threats to internal security from increased radicalisation, mostly online, and terrorism were growing, the officials said, adding that the new wing will focus on assessing the reach of global terrorist outfits besides shaping strategies to counter their propaganda and activities. It will also hire domain experts for the purpose.

The other new wing, CIS, has been created to monitor online crimes and threats, including cyber fraud and hacking, and suggest ways to minimise and fight them. This division will track and counter online fraud, hacking, identity theft, dark net, trafficking and cyber attacks on critical information infrastructure, the officials said.

Several division have also been merged as part of the administrative changes.

At present, the home ministry has three divisions on internal security — Internal Security I, II and III (or IS-I, IS-II and IS-III).

The Home Ministry has merged its Internal Security-I and Internal Security-III divisions, besides modifying the work of the IS-II division, which will now be known as the CTCR.

The existing International Cooperation division, which deals with matters related to international/bilateral security issues such as Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty, has been merged with the Coordination and Public Grievances division. A new wing, Coordination and International Cooperation, has been carved out of them.

Similarly, the judicial wing has been merged with the Centre-State division. The judicial division deals with matters relating to legislative aspects of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Commission of Inquiry Act.

The Centre-State wing looks after work related to Constitutional provisions governing such relations like the appointment of governors, creation of new States, nominations to Rajya Sabha/Lok Sabha, inter-state boundary disputes, overseeing the crime situation in states and imposition of President’s rule.

The ministry will continue to have 18 divisions, each led by a joint secretary-level officer.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
13-November, 2017 17:05 IST
Union Home Minister reviews measures to check cyber crimes in financial sector

Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting of all agencies concerned and representatives of relevant states here today to review the progress of the decisions taken during the meeting taken by him on September 19, 2017 for curbing the financial sector frauds emanating from the usage of cards and e-wallets in particular.

Union Home Minister was informed that in pursuance of the decisions taken in the meeting taken by him on September 19, 2017, an Inter Ministerial Committee on Phone Frauds (IMCPF) has been constituted in the Ministry of Home Affairs on September 28, 2017. The Committee under the chairmanship of Additional Secretary MHA and members from other stakeholder organisations namely Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Department of Financial Services, Department of Telecommunication, Reserve Bank of India and law enforcement agencies held its first meeting on October 24, 2017 and discussed various nature of phone frauds taking place in India and the steps to be taken by the various stakeholder organisations in order to curb such instances.

Union Home Minister reviewed the measures contemplated such as:

• Big data analysis by involving IIT Delhi for identification of perpetrators of phone frauds in order to prevent duplication across e-wallets.

• Providing of additional information in SMS/email alerts to customers from banks or e-wallet companies, as part of customer alert mechanism to include names of beneficiaries of any financial transaction wherever necessary for better traceability and crosschecking on the part of the victim.

• Publishing online statistics depicting the specific incidents, frauds against e-wallet companies and banks along with details including investigation to enable customers to make an informed choice before subscribing to e-wallet services.

• Legal aspects involved in making this Metadata Archival possible by way of sharing of data among different government/ private agencies etc.

• Reduction of insurance cost; and mandatory KYC for all the entities issuing Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs); disabling of default international transactions facility for credit/debit cards etc.

Union Home Minister was informed about the measures taken by Jharkhand Police to crackdown on the perpetrators of phone frauds which has resulted in considerable fall in instances of these crimes. Union Home Minister directed that IMCPF shall examine all the highlighted issues in consultation with all the relevant stakeholders expeditiously.



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The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh chairing a High Level Meeting to review steps to check cybercrime in the financial sector, emanating from usage of cards and e-wallets, in New Delhi on November 13, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ter-narcotics-cybercrimes/article20446150.ece

Special Correspondent

With members cutting across party lines expressing serious concern over the alleged increase in substance abuse among the youth, Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Tuesday announced that 38 additional stations were being set up to counter narcotics cases and cybercrimes.

Replying to a call attention notice by Congress member Ivan D’souza, Mr. Reddy said three narcotics cells were being set up in Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Belagavi to check the increasing cases of substance abuse. Steps would also be taken to ensure that narcotics were not available in the State by breaking the supply chain.

The Minister said he had directed the police to book cases against all those involved in the supply chain. Even farmers involved in the cultivation would be booked under the Goonda Act.

Earlier, Mr. D’souza referred to the increasing number of cases of substance abuse being reported in the State, particularly in the cities which share borders with other States.

He said according to the data available Bengaluru, Mangaluru and Shivamogga occupied first three positions in terms of number of narcotics cases and the drug abuse was rampant in places having more student population, paying guest accommodation and illegal homestays. He said the influence of narcotics was also responsible for crimes in the recent years, and sought a stringent law to check the menace.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Electronics & IT
15-November, 2017 16:12 IST
Asia Pacific Cert (APCERT) Discuss Building Trust in Digital Economy

First ever Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT) Open Conference in India and the first in South Asia was held in New Delhi on November 15, 2017. It was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad in the presence of the Minister of State of Electronics and Information Technology, Shri K J Alphons. In their presence the Indian Compute Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) received the host country award from the APCERT, handed over by Japan CERT (JPCERT). CERT’s from 22 digital Asia Pacific economies participated along with participation from USA, Europe, Industry, Academia, Government and Media totalling to over 350 professionals to discuss response mechanisms in the complex and evolving threat landscape for Building Trust in the Digital Economy on the contours and vision laid down by the Hon’ble Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad during the inauguration of the open conference on November 15, 2017.

The Hon’ble Minister of Electronics and Information Technology made three significant announcements:

He announced that under the government’s programme of supporting PhD scholars in digital technologies, the government will offer PhD scholarships in cyber security to candidates from Asia Pacific, who do their PhD in any of the 100 leading universities of India, including IITs, IISc and other universities. He invited research scholars to explore doing their research in India.

The Hon’ble Minister mentioned that innovation in cyber security is a big focus of the Government. There are more than 100 cyber security product companies in India and it was proposed that in furtherance of the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) preference shall be provided by all procuring entities in the government to domestically manufactured / produced Cyber Security Products.

He also said that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology was in the process of working with Data Security Council of India to conduct Challenge Grant for cyber security as a means to encourage budding start-ups to develop innovative technologies.

India was selected to be part of the steering committee of APCERT along with 6 (Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Taiwan) other countries to shape the agenda for the next 2 years across the region.

In India, cyber security professionals got an opportunity to attend a highly content rich technical conference, interact with the Asia Pacific incident response leaders in cyber security and the International community got to see the skills and depth of some of the cyber security start-ups from India.

The spectrum of topics covered included setting up sectoral CSIRTS, Nation State exploits, vulnerabilities of block chain, secure communication in industrial internet, cyber crime in financial technology ecosystem, building a sharing economy, machine learning, malicious behaviour in encrypted traffic, mobile security and Artificial Intelligence.

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