INDIA: In response to reports that the personal information of people registered on the CoWin portal, the nation’s Covid-19 immunisation tracking tool, had been compromised, the Centre stated that the data there is totally secure. The reports are “mischievous,” according to the Centre.
The Health Ministry’s Co-WIN portal is totally secure and has privacy protections… Only OTP-based Access to Data is offered, according to the Union Health Ministry.
Earlier reports surfaced that personal information, including sensitive data belonging to politicians, bureaucrats, and individuals who had registered on CoWIN, has been shared on the social media platform Telegram through a bot account.
Data breaches had occurred in the past, but not via the CoWIN portal, according to the Union IT Ministry; the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) was tasked with looking into the matter and submitting a report.
As per reports, the investigation aims to determine the origin of the leaked data and whether it was sourced directly from CoWIN or through another application. Government officials have stated that they are meticulously examining the situation to ascertain the facts surrounding the alleged leak.
A data-driven news portal has reported that the leaked data not only encompasses personal information but also includes passport numbers of individuals who updated their travel history on the CoWIN app. The portal further suggests that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may soon issue advisories to banks regarding security measures in light of this alleged CoWIN data breach.
It is important to note that the authenticity and extent of the alleged data leak have not been independently verified by Transcontinental Times or other news outlets. However, the seriousness of the matter has prompted swift action from the government.
According to sources, the Telegram account responsible for sharing the personal details has been inactive since this morning. This has raised questions about the motive behind the leak and the potential impact on the affected individuals, particularly with regard to privacy concerns and possible misuse of the leaked data.
CoWIN has been an instrumental tool in India’s battle against the Covid-19 pandemic, facilitating the smooth registration and tracking of vaccinations across the country. This alleged data leak has underscored the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive personal information, particularly in critical healthcare systems.
The government’s investigation into the CoWIN data leak highlights its commitment to ensuring the privacy and security of its citizens. Steps are being taken to strengthen data protection measures and identify any vulnerabilities that may have been exploited in this incident.
Additionally, efforts are being made to reach out to individuals who may have been affected by the leak, providing them with guidance and support.
As this story unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges associated with data privacy and cybersecurity. Authorities and organizations must remain vigilant and employ the highest security standards to safeguard personal information in an increasingly digital world.
Disclaimer: The claims and details surrounding the alleged CoWIN data leak have not been independently verified by Transcontinental Times or other news outlets at the time of reporting. This article is based on available information from official sources and credible reports.
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