Power Minister RK Singh said, India has a strong mechanism to counter cyber attacks
New Delhi/Beijing:
Amid reports of Chinese state-sponsored hackers targeting the power grid in Ladakh, Power Minister RK Singh on Thursday said the country has a strong defense against any kind of cyber attacks.
“Our defense against cyber attacks is strong. They were investigating the attacks in December, January and February. They did not succeed. But we know,” Mr. Singh said on the sidelines of a meeting of senior officials of the Ministry of Clean Energy in the capital. Huh.”
The minister also said that the action against suspected cyber attacks on the country’s electricity supply system was withdrawn in 2018.
Singh said, “We had created protocols. Those protocols are working and we are strengthening those protocols every day. So, our cyber security against cyber attacks is strong. We are confident about it.”
There are reports that the power sector in the country was targeted by hackers in a long-term operation carried out by a state-sponsored (Chinese) group.
According to reports, the hackers targeted seven Indian state centers responsible for power transmission and grid control near the border area disputed by the two nuclear neighbours.
The group reportedly used the Trojan ShadowPad, which is believed to have been developed by contractors from China’s Ministry of State Security, leading to the conclusion that it was a state-sponsored hacking attempt.
Meanwhile, in Beijing, the Chinese government denied reports that its hackers targeted the Indian power grid in Ladakh.
“We have paid attention to relevant reports,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said during a media briefing on Thursday.
He was responding to a question on Wednesday about a report by private intelligence firm Recorded Future that claimed suspected Chinese hackers targeted the Indian power grid in an apparent cyber espionage operation.
“As I have reiterated many times, we strongly oppose and act against hacking activities of all kinds. We will never encourage, support or ignore such activities,” he said.
China regularly denies allegations of hacking by its state-sponsored hackers, asking for evidence. It also claims that it is a victim of hacking from US networks.
Regarding the apprehension of power crisis in the country in the backdrop of low stock of coal in thermal plants, Shri Singh said that the availability of electricity is sufficient.
“The states concerned need money to buy power. That is the only thing… Today there is no question of any state being short of power. They can buy power. If they have money to buy power. If not, I can’t help it.” He also said that he is confident of meeting the growing demand for electricity.
He said, “The great thing is that our demand has increased. It shows that the economy is growing and it is growing at 9 per cent. Electricity consumption is a sign of economic growth. We are able to handle whatever demand is there. are capable.”
As per the latest coal stock report, the total dry fuel stock stood at 37 per cent of the required level on April 5.
In non-pit head plants, the stock of coal was 29 per cent of the required stock.
In September last year, there was a shortage of coal in various power plants. After this, the Ministry of Power took several steps to increase the supply.