CERT-In issues malware warning, offers free bot-removal tools for Windows and Android

"As part of Special Campaign 3.0, CERT-In GOI advises you to keep your digital devices bot-free. Get a bot removal tool at csk.gov.in," reads an SMS sent by the Indian government to many smartphone users. The SMS is part of an awareness campaign, the "Cyber Swachhta Kendra" (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre) under the Government of India's Digital India initiative, against the growing threat of malware attacks and scams.

The awareness campaign has the goal of establishing a secure cyberspace in India by identifying botnet infections and facilitating notifications and cleaning. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) already offers information and tools to assist users in securing their systems and devices. To further enhance awareness and encourage the adoption of these security measures, the government has been actively sending SMS notifications to users.

The government is sending SMS alerts to users in both Hindi and English on various telecom networks, warning them about the dangers of bad bots and advising them to download the free bot removal tool from the official website csk.gov.in. The official website has listed security tools, including the Free Bot Removal Tool, antivirus software, and smartphone safety tool kits for users of Windows, Android, and other devices.

What are bots

Bots or bad bots in particular are referred to as malicious or rogue bots, are automated software programs designed with malicious intent. They are used to perform various harmful actions on the internet, such as web scraping, data theft, spreading malware, initiating cyberattacks, and engaging in fraudulent activities like hacking.

How botnet remove bots

A botnet, which is a network of connected bots, can be helpful in getting rid of bad bots. A botnet can remove bots by having the network of security bots work together to identify, track, and isolate malicious bots. When a security bot detects a harmful bot, it can take action to block or neutralise it, effectively removing it from the network and preventing further damage or threats.

How device get infected by bots
Your device can be infected by bots if
- You open an email attachment containing malware.
- Click on a harmful link in an email, SMS or on a website.
- Opened a file from an unverified source.
- And Connecting to an unsecured public Wi-Fi network,

How to check if your device is infected

To check for bots:
Run an antivirus scan.
Watch for unusual behaviour like if your device is draining battery than usual or consuming high data usage.
Remove suspicious apps and browser extensions.

How to remove bots from CERTIn free tools

To remove bots and malware using CERT-In's tools and offerings, follow these steps:

1. Visit the CSK website at www.csk.gov.in/.
2. Click on the "Security Tools" tab.
3. Choose your preferred antivirus company's bot removal tool.
4. Click "Download" to get the tool.
5. Download a free bot removal tool like eScan Antivirus, K7 Security, or Quick Heal (for Windows) from the provided options.

If you have an Android device:

1. Go to the Google Play Store.
2. Search for and download either the 'eScan CERT-IN Bot Removal' tool or 'M-Kavach 2' developed by C-DAC Hyderabad.
3. Once downloaded, run the app on your device.
4. The application will scan your device to detect and remove any malware infections found.