• Source:JND
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JE Technology Desk: Amid the rising cyber attacks in public institutions in the country, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) released a set of guidelines for government entities and industry to ensure safer cyberspace and actionable information security practices.

According to a PIB press release, more than 80 crore Indians use the internet and cyberspace for daily activities that range from education, finance, business and more. Considering the vast digital environment, and the rising attacks in the country, the Indian government framed the guidelines in its endeavour for a safe and trusted online environment.

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The new guidelines were issued under the powers granted to CERT-In by clause (e) of sub-section (4) of section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (21 of 2000). As per the release, they apply to all ministries, departments, secretariats, and offices specified in the First Schedule to the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 and their attached and subordinate offices. Plus, all government institutions, public sector enterprises, and government agencies under their administrative purview also fall in this classification.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, IT Minister, said, "The government has taken several initiatives to ensure safe & trusted and secure cyber space. We are expanding and accelerating on cyber security – with focus on capabilities, system, human resources and awareness."

The framework acts as a roadmap for public bodies and industry to curb the risk in cyberspace, protect data and improve the security ecosystem. It serves as a foundation for teams and auditors to assess the security structure of an organisation and specify safety requirements accordingly. These guidelines include domains such as data security, access management, security auditing, network security and more.

Besides best practices, it also encompasses policies framed by the "National Informatics Centre for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs)" and central government employees.