J&K govt bans pen drives, WhatsApp for official use
In a bid to strengthen cybersecurity in the Union Territory, the Jammu and Kashmir government has taken a significant step by banning the use of pen drives on official devices across all Administrative Departments in Civil Secretariat, Jammu and Srinagar, and in Deputy Commissioners’ offices in all districts. The government has also prohibited the use of public messaging apps like WhatsApp and unsecured services for official work.
The decision was taken to prevent the unauthorised copying of sensitive data and to maintain the confidentiality of official information. The government has issued a notification in this regard, making it mandatory for all government officials to adhere to the new regulations.
The move comes in the wake of growing cyber threats and data breaches that have been on the rise in recent times. The use of pen drives and public messaging apps for official work has been a major concern for the government, as they pose a significant risk to the security of official data.
The notification states that all government officials are prohibited from using pen drives, external hard drives, and other unauthorised storage devices for storing or transferring official data. The use of these devices can potentially allow hackers to access sensitive data and compromise the security of the government’s systems.
Similarly, the use of public messaging apps like WhatsApp for official work is also a major concern for the government. WhatsApp, being a public messaging app, lacks the necessary security measures to protect official data, making it vulnerable to hacking and data breaches.
The notification further states that all government officials are required to use official email accounts and secured communication channels for official work. The use of public messaging apps and unsecured communication channels can potentially compromise the security of official data and put the government’s systems at risk.
The decision has been taken to ensure the safety and security of official data and to prevent any potential data breaches. The government has also taken other measures to strengthen cybersecurity in the Union Territory, including the implementation of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software.
The move has been welcomed by cybersecurity experts, who have hailed the decision as a significant step towards strengthening cybersecurity in Jammu and Kashmir. “The use of pen drives and public messaging apps for official work can potentially compromise the security of official data and put the government’s systems at risk. The decision to ban these devices and services is a welcome move and will help to prevent data breaches in the future,” said a cybersecurity expert.
The notification has been issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) and has been made mandatory for all government officials to adhere to the new regulations. The government has also directed all departmental heads and officials to ensure that the new regulations are strictly followed.
In conclusion, the decision by the Jammu and Kashmir government to ban the use of pen drives and public messaging apps for official work is a significant step towards strengthening cybersecurity in the Union Territory. The move will help to prevent data breaches and compromise of official data, and will ensure the safety and security of the government’s systems.
