Indian govt announces free tools to remove malware from your PC and mobile

Indian govt announces free tools to remove malware from your PC and mobile
HIGHLIGHTS

Cyber Swachhta Kendra portal is an initiative by the Indian govt to fight cyber attacks

Users can access free tools from the website

What is botnet malware and how to remove it from your devices? Read along

The security of users' devices is a growing worry due to the rise in malware assaults and frauds. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has released a number of free bot removal programmes to address this issue and help people protect their cellphones.

To disseminate awareness, the government is constantly contacting individuals via SMS messages and has taken the initiative with the Cyber Swachhta Kendra portal

Also read: 5 major ways Apple Safari’s privacy settings are better than Google Chrome browser

What is Botnet Malware?

A botnet is a collection of computers, smartphones, or other electronic devices that have been joined together by 'bot' malware. Malware provides hackers power over infected computers after a device has been compromised and joined the botnet. This power gives them the ability to engage in a variety of nefarious behaviours, such as sending spam, preventing incoming and outgoing texts and calls, and even accessing private data like usernames, passwords, and net banking information.

You might have recently gotten a text message from the government saying, "Stay Cyber Safe! The Government of India, through CERT-In, advises downloading the "Free Bot Removal Tool" at csk.gov.in to safeguard your electronic gadget from botnet infections and malware.

How does the malware inject your PC?

1) An infected attachment in your email

2) A malicious link in your email or on a website

3) Downloaded file from an untrusted source

4) Use of unsecured public Wi-Fi network 

How to remove malwae from your device?

1) Search www.csk.gov.in

2) Click on the ‘Security Tools’ tab and choose an antivirus company with a botnet removal tool.

3) Download the tool by clicking download

4) For Windows users: eScan Antivirus, K7 Security, or Quick Heal among others will be listed

5) For Android users: 'eScan CERT-IN Bot Removal' tool or 'M-Kavach 2' developed by C-DAC Hyderabad you can find these on Google PlayStore

6) Run the app on your device and the process of scanning the malware and removing them will begin. 

Also read: Google removes 32 Chrome extensions suspecting malicious intent

In addition to the tools for removing bots, the CSK portal also provides other security programmes like "USB Pratirodh" and "AppSamvid." To improve their security, users have the choice to download these programmes.

A desktop programme called "USB Pratirodh" is intended to control how detachable storage devices, such as phones and pen drives, are used. Users must enter a username and password each time a new USB device is attached in order to be authenticated. This programme also encrypts data, changes read/write permissions, and analyses USB drives for viruses.

AppSamvid' is a programme for Windows users that restricts the operating system to only running authorised files. It enables users to make trustworthy Java files and executables lists. The software can also be password-protected by users. 'AppSamvid' guards the computer against malware such as viruses and trojans

Ichha Sharma
Digit.in
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Digit.in
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