Context: Following instances of cyber-attacks during the ongoing pandemic across its network, the Ministry of Railways has roped in the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) to educate its officials on Internet ethics, cyber hygiene and best practices in the use of IT equipment, including mobile phones. This is a part of its National Cyber Security Strategy.

Details:

• According to sources, the IT Wing of the Computerization & Information System Directorate sends out periodic alerts on cyber security vulnerabilities and threats to the staff directly handling IT-based systems.
• One of the major IT functions is the Passenger Reservation System (PRS). In January 2019 alone, 6.61 crore passengers booked from 10,394 PRS terminals in 3,440 locations and the IRCTC website resulting in a revenue of Rs. 3,962.27 crore. The PRS involves passengers disclosing their identities along with proof of address, mobile phone number and net banking/card payment details.
• The Railways also uses its IT infrastructure for Unreserved Ticketing System which served 2.11 crore passengers in January 2019 earning Rs. 58.83 crore each day.
• E-payment is provided as part of the Freight Operations Information System (FOIS) leading to Rs. 8,666.6 crore of revenue in January 2019.
• The pandemic had introduced a greater reliance on electronic modes of communication in official working. Hence, it was necessary that all officials took responsibility and followed adequate procedures when using IT infrastructure for ensuring confidentiality, privacy etc. in dealing with official information.

https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/railways-stung-by-it-breaches/article33908833.ece

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