Petition Alleges Cyberattacks on Maharashtra Government Websites, Demands Urgent Action

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A petition filed in the Bombay High Court has stated that several Maharashtra government websites under the domain ‘Maharashtra.gov.in’ have been affected by cyberattacks, redirecting visitors to gambling and betting pages. The petition, filed by IT consultant and visiting professor Ruzbeh Raja, alleges that these websites are compromised and may be collecting users’ personal information, raising concerns about cybersecurity and data privacy.

As reported by India Today, the petition mentions that over 20 state government websites, including those of the Mumbai Police, State Information Commission, Transport Department, Directorate of Forensic Science, Law and Justice Department, Chief Electoral Officer, and the Directorate of Information Technology, have been affected. Advocates Ajinkya Udane and Jay Bhatia, representing the petitioner, have requested an early hearing, citing the importance of the issue.

Concerns Over Outdated Security Measures

According to the petition, the cyberattacks may be due to outdated software, insufficient firewall systems, and a lack of proactive monitoring. Despite the issue being reported to the Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-In), the National Cyber Crime Portal, and the Maharashtra Cyber Helpline, the attacks have continued.

Advocate Udane stated, “If attackers can redirect visitors to gambling and betting websites, they may also redirect them to phishing sites designed to extract money or carry out scams. This could also result in malware affecting users’ devices, creating security risks.”

Requests for Investigation and Security Improvements

The petition calls for an FIR to investigate those responsible for the cyberattacks and unauthorized access to government systems. It also requests measures to improve cybersecurity infrastructure to prevent further incidents.

The Bombay High Court bench, comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharti Dangre, is scheduled to hear the petition on February 12. The outcome of this hearing may influence future cybersecurity protocols for government websites in India.

Cybersecurity and Public Trust

The incident highlights vulnerabilities in government websites and the risks associated with cybersecurity lapses. With user data potentially exposed, the petition raises the need for authorities to strengthen digital security.

As the case progresses, attention will be on the Maharashtra government’s response and the measures taken to address the issue. In the meantime, users are advised to be cautious when accessing government websites and to report any irregularities to the relevant authorities.

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