Lok Sabha Question No. 4721 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-29
Subject: Theft of Data through Satellite Tracking
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Rakesh Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4721

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 29.03.2023

## THEFT OF DATA THROUGH SATELLITE TRACKING

## 4721. SHRI RAKESH SINGH:

Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of the theft of data of the people through satellite tracking and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government is aware that data is sold by the National Maritime Electronic Association and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has taken any steps to check the theft of personal data of the mobile users in the country; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR)

(a) and (b):  The  Indian  Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is mandated to track and monitor cybersecurity incidents in India. CERT-In has informed that no incident regarding theft of data through satellite-tracking has been reported to it.

(c)  and  (d):  With  proliferation  of  mobile  phones  and  related  applications  in  all  areas, propagation of malicious apps targeting mobile phones is also on the rise. Such malicious apps may also be used for stealing data from infected mobile phones.

The following steps have been taken tocheck the theft of personal data of the mobile users in the country:

- (i) CERT-In issues alerts and advisories regarding latest cyber threats/vulnerabilities and countermeasures to protect computers, mobile phones, networks and data on an ongoing basis.
- (ii) Security tips have been published to enable users to secure their mobile/smart phones.
- (iii) CERT-In operates the Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis  Centre)  to  detect  malicious  programs  including  from  mobile  phones and provides free  tools  to  remove  the  same  alongwith  cyber  security  tips  and best practices for citizens and organisations to secure their systems/devices.
- (iv) CERT-In is working in coordination with service providers, regulators and law enforcement  agencies  to  track  and  disable  phishing  websites  and  facilitate investigation of fraudulent activities.
- (v) CERT-In regularly disseminates information and shares security tips on cyber

safety  and  security  through  its  official  social  media  handles  and  websites. CERT-In organised various events and activities for citizens during Safe Internet Day on 7 February 2023 and Cyber Security Awareness Month in October 2022, by posting security tips using posters and videos on social media platforms and websites.  CERT-In,  in  association  with  Centre  for  Development  of  Advanced Computing,  conducted  an  online  awareness  campaign  for  citizens,  covering topics such as general online safety, social media risks and safety, mobile related frauds  and  safety,  secure  digital  payment  practices,  etc.,  through  videos  and quizzes on the MyGov platform.

- (vi) The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology conducts programmes to generate information security awareness. Books, videos and online materials about information security are developed for general users, children and parents, and  are  disseminated  through  portals  such  as  www.infosecawareness.in  and www.csk.gov.in.

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