In what is believed to be one of the biggest cyber attacks in Uttarakhand in recent times, several government sites became non-functioning including CM helpline portal. As per media reports, 90 government websites and mobile apps were down for more than 50 hours. Along with Information Technology Development Agency (ITDA), expert teams of the state and the center were engaged in taking appropriate measures as per protocol. On Saturday, ITDA started trial run of all websites.
The IT system of the state came to a standstill due to the cyber attack. ITDA director Nitika Khandelwal said, apart from the state, experts from central agencies are also engaged in scanning. Central agencies are also finding out from where this cyber attack has taken place. The officals said that all data is safe.
Everything was kept closed on Friday also to prevent any major mishap. E-office did not work in any government office including the secretariat. Due to the shutdown of CCTNS service of the police, all work including online FIR stalled. All work including birth-death certificates remained stalled in Municipal Corporation Doon.
Due to the non-functioning of Apuni Government application, the user could not get any facility. Due to the shutdown of CM helpline, no complaint could be made. The recruitment process was halted due to the closure of the website of the State Public Service Commission. The prior permission for treatment of patients under the Ayushman scheme was affected, which had to be done manually.
Central agencies investigating
All the central agencies have also started searching for the people who carried out this IT disaster. ITDA Director Nitika Khandelwal said that as per the protocol, the central agencies were informed in time.
The entire system has been shut down and scanned in view of security. Under expert advice, SWAN services have been made operational in the first phase. Other services will be made operational in a phased manner in a day or two. Trial runs will start from Saturday.