Maharashtra government plans to step up cyber security network

With around 150 countries reeling under an unprecedented ransomware attack, the state government is planning a cybersecurity policy to strengthen network, application and data storage security. This will prevent security breaches in the state government's network when it is planning to intensify its drive towards a less-cash economy and digital delivery of government to citizen (G2C) services.

The state will penalise errant officials who disconnect their computers from the Mantralaya local area network (LAN) and use personal dongles and hotspots to access private email services, which compromises security. The government has banned the use of private email services like Gmail on its LAN.

"We have limitations in cybersecurity," admitted Vijay Kumar Gautam, principal secretary, Information Technology (IT) adding that the policy will aim at creating a "cybersecurity eco-system."

In May 2016, the Locky ransomware virus affected around 150 computers on the Mantralaya LAN. The state plans to link its non-Mantralaya offices on the state wide area network to ensure security.

Web scare

The threat of doxxing (releasing victim data publicly) by ransomware attackers points to the need to secure sensitive data. The state cyber police has launched a helpline no 02536631777 where experts will guide on malware prevention.