In a recent development that has stirred fear among citizens, a man from Bihar has been arrested by the Delhi Police in connection with the CoWIN data leak. The accused, whose identity remains undisclosed, allegedly uploaded sensitive data related to the CoWIN platform on Telegram, a popular messaging app. This incident has sparked concerns over the security and privacy of critical health information in the digital era.
The CoWIN platform, an initiative by the Indian government for its nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive, has been instrumental in managing and monitoring the vaccination process. However, unauthorized access and dissemination of data from the platform have been a growing concern. The recent arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the CoWIN data leak, which has caused widespread alarm among citizens.
As per the Delhi Police reports, the accused had gained unauthorized access to the CoWIN database and procured confidential information related to vaccination records and personal details of individuals. This sensitive data was allegedly shared on Telegram channels, leading to its wider circulation. The police have yet to disclose the motive behind the accused’s actions. The accused has been charged under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to data theft, unauthorized access, and violation of privacy.
The CoWIN data leak has reignited concerns over data security and privacy in the digital realm. This incident serves as a stark reminder for governments and organizations to invest in robust cybersecurity measures and continuously strengthen their systems to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. In response to the incident, the Indian government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the security and privacy of citizens’ data. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has stated that they are working closely with the concerned authorities to address the issue promptly. They have also emphasized the need for citizens to remain cautious and vigilant regarding their personal data and report any suspicious activities.
This isn’t the first time that security concerns around CoWIN have become the talk of the town. Back in 2021, a website claimed that the personal data of over 150 million Indians was leaked onto the dark web. The Health Ministry, however, refuted the claims and assured that details shared with CoWIN are secured. In the recent data leak incident, a Telegram bot leaked phone numbers, Aadhaar numbers, Date of Birth (DoB), and other key details of all those who took vaccines using the CoWIN platform. As per report, all these details were available through a simple search on Telegram. However, the platform was quick at blocking the bot. Reports alleged that the data was fetched through CoWIN, but the government refuted those reports and assured that the CoWIN portal is secure.
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