Cyber attack on NIC computers, email traced to Bengaluru company

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, September 18

A cyber breach was attempted by unidentified actor to install malware on approximately 100 odd computers of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the government’s nodal agency which is responsible for securing critical cyber-infrastructure in the country, sources in the government said, adding that a complaint has been lodged with Delhi Police.

Delhi Police, which is investigating the case, in an official statement said, a government employee had recently reported that he was having difficulty in accessing his official email account by NIC which was lying unused for some weeks.

Earlier, it was found by NIC that there was “an attempted breach by unidentified cyber actors”, which is a kind of regular activity over cyber space, it said adding that the malware was, however, detected by the government’s IT agency’s  robust cyber security systems.

The Police further said, as a matter of “abundant precaution”, a formal investigation into the matter has been launched by registering a case at the Special Cell under the Information Technology (IT) Act

The Police in its statement also contended that reports of widespread cyber intrusion involving high offices are unsubstantiated and do not reflect the current stage of investigation.

However, sources said, initial investigation has revealed that an email from a firm in Bengaluru is suspected to have created the malware and an alarm was raised.

According to sources, the computers at NIC’s cyber hub contain crucial information and data on India’s security, citizens and important government functionaries, including the prime minister, National Security Advisor, the home minister, among others.