Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently emphasized the importance of logging out from IT systems to senior bureaucrats, drawing on his discussion with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
According to a report from News18, PM Modi highlighted cybersecurity issues and shared a simple yet crucial tip: “Do you log out of your IT systems after the day’s work? I do…it is important for cyber security.” He stressed that ensuring all systems are logged out at the end of the day is a key practice for protecting against cyber threats.
PM Modi’s Advice to Bureaucrats
PM Modi advised that each office should have someone responsible for checking that all IT systems are logged out at the end of the workday. He shared that he personally follows this practice to keep his own systems secure.
He also mentioned a recent meeting with Bill Gates where they discussed cybersecurity challenges. Following PM Modi’s advice, the Cabinet Secretary issued written instructions to all government ministries. These directives ask ministries to improve IT security and ensure that officers follow cybersecurity guidelines diligently.
Past Cyberattacks and Government Responses
Cybersecurity has become a major concern for the Indian government due to several high-profile cyberattacks in recent years. For example:
– In December 2022, India’s premier hospital, AIIMS, experienced a significant cyberattack.
– In early 2021, Air India suffered a hacking incident that exposed millions of customers’ data before it was privatized.
Home Minister Amit Shah on Cyber Fraud
Home Minister Amit Shah reported earlier this year that enhanced government vigilance has led to the detection of approximately 27 lakh (2.7 million) cyber fraud cases in India over the past year. He explained that these cases are being identified due to better monitoring and a new toll-free reporting number for fraud. Shah emphasized that the increase in detected cases does not mean that cyber fraud is on the rise, but rather that the government’s efforts are making it more visible.
PM Modi has recently highlighted the importance of logging out from IT systems to prevent cyberattacks, a practice he follows himself. Following his advice, the Cabinet Secretary has issued new cybersecurity guidelines to all ministries. Past cyberattacks on institutions like AIIMS and Air India have heightened the government’s focus on cybersecurity. Home Minister Amit Shah also reported that improved vigilance has led to the detection of about 27 lakh cyber fraud cases in India.
