Govt depts asked not to store sensitive info on Net-connected computers

NEW DELHI: Close on the heels of hackers reportedly gaining access to defence ministry computers, the MHA has reiterated its advice to all sensitive ministries not to store strategic information and files in internet-connected computers.

With investigations attributing most of the hacking to surfing of pornographic sites and opening of e-mail attachments from unknown senders, especially those promising fake lottery amounts, the MHA has been repeatedly asking key government departments, like PMO, defence and external affairs, to only upload secret and sensitive information on “stand-alone” computers that are not connected to the internet.

“The advice is repeatedly violated,” an MHA official said, adding that this was the key reason behind the 200,000 hackings reported everyday in the government’s computer networks. Most hackings are sourced from China, although the most recent loss of MoD files is being attributed to Pakistan’s ISI.

The hacked MoD computers are said to have contained top-secret files on battleplans, operational plans as well as minutes of some important meetings.

Audit of internet security in government of India departments is a continuous process, with a dedicated team of experts constantly assessting cyber threats and building firewalls into the systems.