By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, FEB 22, 2017: THE present Government aims to introduce the digital India movement into every other ongoing mission. Pursuant to this, the 'Swachh Bharat' campaign has been extended to the cyber world, the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Mr. 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, 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 Mr Ravi Shankar Prasad.

The 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.

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.