Don't share secret docs via internet: MIB tells officials

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has instructed its officers and officials not to disseminate classified information on the internet. The warning was issued to prevent the release of secret material and the abuse of such sites.

Many government personnel are utilising private messaging systems like WhatsApp and Telegram to communicate secret material, according to the ministry. This is a blatant breach of information security guidelines in the manual of Departmental Security Instructions (MoDSI) and the National Information Security Policy Guidelines, according to the report (NISPG).

The Top Secret and Secret materials are not to be disseminated over the internet, according to the caution.
"According to NISPG, the Top Secret and Secret information shall be shared only in a closed network with leased line connectivity where SAG grade encryption mechanism is deployed. However, Confidential and Restricted information can be shared on internet through networks that have deployed commercial AES 256-bit encryption."

Furthermore, the ministry has advised that Confidential and Restricted information be sent using Government Email (NIC email) or Government Instant Messaging Platforms (such as CDAC's Samvad, NIC's Sandesh, etc.).

The advisory stated, "However, utmost care should be taken during the classification of information and before the communication of the same over internet. The information which may deserve a Top Secret/Secret classification shall not be downgraded to Confidential/Restricted for the purpose of sharing the information over the internet."