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To provide Cyber security training to staffs Ministry of Railways has joined hands with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). The training will 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 C-DAC’s National Cyber Security Strategy. The training was decided based on the recent cyberattacks across the railway network during the ongoing pandemic.
Use of IT infrastructure in Railways:
- The Indian Railways uses IT infrastructure for the Passenger Reservation System (PRS). PRS is the nationwide online passenger reservation and ticketing system for railways.
- E-payment is also provided as part of the Freight Operations Information System(FOIS).
Why cyber security training is needed?
- The PRS includes passengers identities, proof of address, passenger mobile number and net banking/card payment details. So any cyber breach will endanger the sensitive data of the passengers.
- Indian Railways has seen a number of cyber breaches in various IT applications of railways. For example, illegal applications were used to book tickets, bypassing the railway firewall.
- These incidents occurred due to improper handling of the IT assets by the personnel.
- Further, these breaches increased after the lockdown due to an increase in electronic modes of communication in official working. So cyber security training is much needed.
- Hence, it was necessary that all railway officials took responsibility and follow adequate procedures when using IT infrastructure. This is important for ensuring confidentiality, privacy in dealing with official information.
Source: The Hindu
