As the number of malware attacks and scams continues to rise, the security of people’s devices has become a major concern. To address this issue and assist individuals in safeguarding their smartphones, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has taken proactive measures by introducing several free bot removal tools. Additionally, the government is actively reaching out to users through SMS notifications to raise awareness about these tools and the importance of device security.
Recently, many individuals received a text message from the government urging them to stay cyber safe and protect their devices from botnet infections and malware. The message recommended downloading the ‘Free Bot Removal Tool’ from the Cyber Swachhta Kendra website (csk.gov.in).
The Cyber Swachhta Kendra portal, also known as the Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre, operates in collaboration with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and antivirus companies under the management of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). The portal provides valuable information and tools to users to secure their systems and devices.
The primary objective of this initiative is to establish a secure cyberspace by actively identifying and detecting botnet infections within India. But what exactly is a botnet infection?
A botnet is a network of infected devices, such as smartphones or computers, controlled by malware known as a ‘bot.’ Once a device is infected and becomes part of a botnet, hackers gain control over the compromised computers. This control enables them to carry out various malicious activities, including sending spam, blocking calls and texts, and accessing sensitive information such as net banking details, usernames, and passwords.
To check if your device is infected with a botnet or to remove the bots and malware, follow these steps:
Visit the CSK website: www.csk.gov.in.
Click on the “Security Tools” tab.
Select the antivirus company whose bot removal tool you wish to use.
Click on the “Download” button to download the tool.
For Windows users, several free bot removal tools are available, such as eScan Antivirus, K7 Security, and Quick Heal. Android users can visit the Google Play Store and search for and download the ‘eScan CERT-IN Bot Removal’ tool or ‘M-Kavach 2’ developed by C-DAC Hyderabad.
Once you have downloaded the tool or app, run it on your device. The tool will scan your device for malware and remove any infections it detects.
In addition to bot removal tools, the CSK portal also offers other security applications like ‘USB Pratirodh’ and ‘AppSamvid’ to enhance device security.
‘USB Pratirodh’ is a desktop tool designed to regulate the usage of removable storage media, including phones and pen drives. It requires users to provide a username and password for authentication when connecting a new USB device. This tool also scans USB devices for malware, encrypts data, and manages read/write permissions.
For Windows users, ‘AppSamvid’ is an application that runs only approved files on the operating system. It allows users to create lists of trusted executables and Java files, while also providing the option to secure the app with a password. ‘AppSamvid’ protects the system from viruses, trojans, and other malware threats.
The introduction of these free bot removal tools by the DoT and the active promotion of device security through SMS notifications are crucial steps toward creating a safer online environment. It is essential for individuals to take advantage of these tools and adopt proper security measures to protect their devices from malware attacks. By staying vigilant and using these resources, users can significantly reduce the risks associated with botnet infections and enhance the security of their digital lives.
