AIIMS cyber attack: Shashi Tharoor seeks thorough probe

NEW DELHI: The issue of cyber attack and data security breach in AIIMS came up in the Lok Sabha on Monday when Congress member Shashi Tharoor demanded a thorough investigation into the issue as it involved the possibility of a cross-border attack on the servers of India’s premier medical institute.
“While the possibility of this being a hostile cross-border attack is of grave concern which calls for a thorough investigation and tough response, it also reflects the weak data protection safeguards in our country, especially by government institutions,” Tharoor said.
AIIMS, Delhi faced a cyber attack last month, which had paralysed his its servers. A case of extortion and cyber terrorism was registered by the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of the Delhi Police on November 25.
He asked the government to share details of its investigation in the case as little is known about the source of the attack and data leaks in the dark web. “The origin, intent and extent of the attack remain unclear and I trust that the government, recognising this as a matter of public importance, will take the House into confidence and take measures to prevent its recurrence,” he said.