 Early Times Report
Jammu, May 23: In response to growing fears of cyberattacks targeting official websites and digital records by adversaries across the border, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has issued stringent directives to all departments to adopt standard cybersecurity practices, shut down unauthorized digital platforms, and ensure strict adherence to IT governance protocols.
Over the past five years, government departments, including defense units, have faced nearly six lakh cyberattacks, with a significant surge in incidents in recent years. According to data reported to and tracked by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), 85,797 attacks were recorded in 2019, followed by 54,314 in 2020. In 2021, 48,285 attacks were reported, while the number skyrocketed to 1,92,439 in 2022 and further rose to 2,04,844 in 2023.
On Wednesday, the General Administration Department of Jammu and Kashmir issued a circular mandating immediate action to thwart potential cyberattacks.
The order stated, "Given the increasing risks posed by unauthorized digital platforms, outdated hardware/software infrastructure, and rising incidents of data breaches and phishing, a comprehensive set of guidelines is hereby issued for immediate implementation and strict compliance."
The government has ordered the immediate deactivatio The Jammu and Kashmir administration has issued stringent directives to all departments to adopt standard cybersecurity practices.
The departments have been asked to shut down unauthorized digital platforms, and ensure strict adherence to IT governance protocols.
Over the past five years, Govt Deptts, including defense units, have faced nearly six lakh cyberattacks.
The government has ordered the immediate deactivation of all privately hosted departmental websites.
The order further specifies that all unauthorized or privately hosted departmental websites be deactivated with immediate effect. The NIC, Jammu and Kashmir Centre, will assist departments in migrating existing websites to secure, authenticated government domains, preferably under ".jk.gov.in." The directive clearly states, "No future departmental websites shall be developed or hosted on non-government domains. All proposals for new websites must be routed through NIC and approved by the IT Department."
Additionally, the order mandates the exclusive use of official NIC email IDs for all government communications. Emails sent from non-official domains such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Rediffmail will be deemed unofficial and may not be acted upon.
This decisive move by the Jammu and Kashmir administration underscores its commitment to bolstering cybersecurity and safeguarding critical digital infrastructure, ensuring sensitive government data remains protected against the rising tide of cyber threats. |
