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The construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has been one of the most monumental events for all Indians. It fulfils a long-lasting dream for millions of Hindus across the world. However, recent reports have aired about an attempted hack on the website of Ram Mandir. The hack attempt was made during the Pran Pratishtha ceremony and has raised concerns about the cybersecurity challenges that are being faced by significant e-platforms in India. Today, we dig deep into the details surrounding the attempted cyber attack, inspecting its implications, the response of the Indian government, and some broader issues related to cybersecurity in the context of religious, cultural sites.
On the day of the inauguration of the prestigious Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, the Indian security agencies along with cyber security team were occupied in safeguarding the Indian websites. It is being aired that the websites were being attacked constantly by unethical hackers and cybercriminals, especially from China and Pakistan.
The websites of UP tourism, UP police, Ram Mandir, Prasar Bharti, and others were targeted to be attached. The TSOC, that is the Telecom Security Operation Centre, was keeping an eye on over 260 websites during the Ram Mandir inauguration. It was observed that around 140 compromised IP addresses were targeting these websites. One of the officials said that to reduce the cyberattacks, around 1244 IP addresses were blocked. Apart from foreign countries, some attempts to hack the websites were made within India. However, timely remedial actions were taken by experts on this matter.
The incident highlights the ever rising nature of cybersecurity threats that have reached even the sacred digital spaces associated with religious and cultural websites. As these websites increasingly embrace the help of technology to connect with world wide followers, they become an easy target to malicious cyber activities by criminals.
Notably, the hack attempt raises questions about the motives behind targeting a religious platform. Was it an act of political sabotage or an attempt to create unrest? Understanding the motive behind this is crucial in formulating effective strategies to counter such threats in future, if any.
The digital landscape allows for anonymity to users, making it difficult to conclusively find a relationship between cyber activities and particular nations or groups. However, the government’s efforts to find and put down the attack showcase the urgency of investigating such events. The attempted hack required swift action from the Indian cybersecurity cell. The immediate response was to safeguard the attached systems, safeguard the data breaches (if any), and restore the functionality of the Ram Mandir and other websites.
Beyond taking action on immediate threats, the attack also focuses on the urgent need for robust, long-term cybersecurity strategies during prestigious events for religious and cultural sites. The government should aim to collaborate with experts of cybersecurity, religious institutions, and IT professionals to protect digital spaces and platforms.
Significance of Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha
Undoubtedly, Ram Mandir holds immense religious, cultural, and historical significance for the people of India. After the Supreme Court’s historic judgement in 2019, the construction of the temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya began.
In the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, deities within the temple were consecrated. It was during such significant ceremonies that the vulnerability of digital platforms associated with these events became apparent.
The attempt to hack multiple sites on Pran Pratishtha Day acts as a reminder of how cybersecurity threats exist and how they can affect cultural and religious sites. To tune and mix the tech with faith, it is mandatory and has become the need of the hour to take proactive measures to secure these digital spaces.
Lastly, to navigate and maintain the balance between security and accessibility, it is vital for the government to ensure that the holiness of religious and cultural spaces is preserved (both physically and digitally).
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