Pen drives biggest threat to armed forces’ security

The use of pen drives has emerged as the main threat to cyber security in the defence forces even though they are banned. These devices are responsible for over 70 per cent of security breaches in the three services, as the use of this easy-to-carry storage device has increased in the recent past, Army officials told PTI in New Delhi.

"These pen drives, which are mostly manufactured in China, have emerged as a big threat to our cyber security systems," they said.

Fresh cyber security guidelines have been issued by the Army headquarters to protect sensitive military networks from hacker attacks, the sources said.

Measures have been taken by the other two services also to tighten their cyber security. The Indian Air Force recently issued instructions to its personnel against having any official data on their personal computers and pen drives.

All personnel have been asked to declare their information technology assets and have been asked not to have any official data on them, IAF officials said, according to PTI.

Anybody found violating these instructions in checks by cyber security personnel will invite strict action which may even amount to disciplinary action including court martial, they said.