IT ministry offers free PC, mobile security

The ministry of electronics and information technology is providing free security apps for computers and mobile phones through their newly launched Cyber Swachhata Kendra website and Google’s Play Store.

Through its computer emergency response team (CERT-in), the government is offering these apps to citizens as a part of its botnet cleaning centre and malware analysis centre launch.

Solutions include virus and malware diagnostic tools — developed by Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) — such as AppSamvid or app white-listing tool and USB Pratirodh tool to control unauthorised usage of portable USB storage devices.

While AppSamvid, which works on Windows PCs, allows only pre-approved apps or files to execute and blacklists all viruses, USB Pratirodh controls unauthorised usage of portable USBs. Another suite is the MKavach which is targeted at mobile device security. The app for Android devices addresses threats related to misuse of WiFi, Bluetooth and camera.

The “Cyber Swachhta Kendra” (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre) is set up in accordance with the objectives of the National Cyber Security Policy, which envisages creating a secure cyber ecosystem in the country. This centre operates in close coordination and collaboration with Internet Service Providers and Product/Antivirus companies,” the new website for the centre reads.

Additionally, the website also offers tools from Quick Heal antivirus to check infections.

The move comes at a time when the country is reeling from cyber attacks in its financial sector and more citizens are turning towards digital payments post demonetisation.

Electronics and information technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who launched the website, said, “By the end of 2017, the ministry will come up with a new architecture that will allow it to work with the state governments and sectoral CERTs under CERT-in to maintain vigil on the country’s digital ecosystem.” Prasad added the government was also planning to launch digital forensics labs .

THE APPS ARE BEING PROVIDED THROUGH THE GOVT’S NEWLY LAUNCHED CYBER SWACHHATA KENDRA WEBSITE AND GOOGLE’S PLAY STORE