Now you can download free desktop, mobile security apps from govt website

Now you can download free apps to protect your desktop, laptop and mobile phones from the Google Play Store or the newly launched Cyber Swachhata Kendra website.

The government via its computer emergency response team (CERT-in) has launched new desktop and mobile security solutions for citizens as a part of its botnet cleaning center and malware analysis center launch otherwise known as Cyber Swachhata Kendra.

Solutions includes virus and malware diagnostic tools, developed by C-DAC or Center for Development of Advanced Computing, such as AppSamvid or app white-listing tool and USB Pratirodh tool to control unauthorized 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 unauthorized 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. All the solutions are available free of charge.

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On the other hand, a new botnet and malware analysis plan is a part of the Government of India's Digital India initiative under the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) to create a secure cyber space by detecting botnet infections in India and to notify, enable cleaning and securing systems of end users so as to prevent further infections.

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.

The new website provides information and tools to users to secure their systems/devices. Additionally, the website also offers tools from Quick Heal antivirus to check infection on devices.

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

Union IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who launched the new website, said that the government was working on state-level computer emergency response teams (CERTs) and sectoral CERTs to ensure stricter digital vigil on the country.

"By the end of 2017, the IT ministry will come up with a new architecture that will allow it to work with state governments and sectoral CERTs under CERT-in to maintain stricter vigil on the country's digital ecosystem," Prasad said.

The move comes after Union finance minister announced the CERT-fin under the annual budget. The CERT-fin is expected to help banks and other payment networks with cyber security.

The minister also said that the country was looking to launch digital forensics labs that would help trace digital crime footprint as generic forensic labs do.

"We will designate forensic labs to try and follow the trail of digital crime in the country and provide expert analysis to help catch the criminals," Prasad said during the launch of the botnet and malware analysis center.