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Key Points

The Jammu and Kashmir government has issued a strict order banning the use of pen drives on all official devices. This move aims to enhance cyber security and protect sensitive government information from potential breaches. The order also prohibits using platforms like WhatsApp for sharing official documents, requiring all communication through approved secure channels. Employees who violate these instructions will face disciplinary action under relevant rules.

Key Points: Jammu Kashmir Bans Pen Drives on Government Devices for Cyber Security

  • Order applies to all govt departments in Civil Secretariat and DC offices
  • Prohibits use of WhatsApp and unsecured online services for official docs
  • Mandates classification of technical info as confidential
  • Allows limited whitelisting for operational needs only
2 min read

J-K govt issues order prohibiting use of pen drives on all official devices

J-K govt prohibits pen drives on all official devices to prevent data breaches and malware. Strict disciplinary action for employees violating the new cyber security order.

"Failure to adhere to these instructions shall be viewed seriously and may invite disciplinary action - J-K Government Order"

Srinagar, August 25

The Jammu and Kashmir government has issued prohibitive orders for its employees on the usage of pen drives on all official devices to enhance data and cyber security.

In an order issued by the General Administration department, dated 25.8.2025, the government said that the order will be implemented across all Administrative Government Departments in the Civil Secretariat, Jammu and Srinagar, and Deputy Commissioner Offices in all districts.

"To enhance the cyber security posture of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, protect sensitive government information, and minimize the risks of data breaches, malware infections, and unauthorized access, it has been decided to prohibit the use of Pen drives on official devices across all Administrative Government Departments in Civil Secretariat Jammu and Srinagar, Deputy Commissioner Offices in all districts," the order read.

The order further stated that public messaging platforms such as "WhatsApp or unsecured online services like iLovePDF for processing, sharing, or storing official or confidential documents or materials are strictly prohibited."

"All sensitive technical information, including ICT architecture diagrams, system configurations, vulnerability assessments, IP addressing schemes, and strategic technology plans, must be classified as confidential and handled exclusively through approved secure channels in accordance with Information Security Best Practices by MHA, CERT-In directives, and departmental data classification policies," it added.

The J-K government said that employees not adhering to instructions will have to face disciplinary action.

"Failure to adhere to these instructions shall be viewed seriously and may invite disciplinary action under relevant rules governing official conduct, IT usage and administrative responsibility," the order stated.

The government here has given exception in the scenarios where "operational needs justify their use, controlled whitelisting may be permitted for up to 2-3 Pen Drives per Department".

All formal requests are routed through the respective Administrative head to the State Informatics Officer (SIO), National Informatics Centre, the order stated.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good decision but implementation will be challenging. Government offices still rely heavily on pen drives for file transfers. They need to provide secure alternatives first, otherwise work will suffer.
Aman W
As someone working in IT security, this was long overdue. Most cyber attacks in government systems start with infected USB devices. Better late than never! 🛡️
S
Sarah B
The WhatsApp ban for official documents is equally important. So many government employees casually share sensitive files on personal messaging apps. This needs to stop across India.
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Vikram M
Hope they provide proper training and secure alternatives. Otherwise employees will find workarounds that might be even less secure. The whitelisting provision for 2-3 drives per department seems practical.
N
Nikhil C
While I understand the security concerns, this feels like another layer of bureaucracy. Government work is already slow due to excessive procedures. Hope they balance security with efficiency.

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