A notification has been issued via the Ministry of Finance under the Information Technology Act, 2000, designating key IT systems of the Directorate of Income Tax (Systems), and Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) as Protected Systems. The same proceeding has the motive to secure the significant tax pertinent digital infrastructure against cyber threats and unauthorized access.
On January 28, 2025, the notification furnished specifies the below-mentioned platforms as Protected systems:
- TRACES (Tax Deducted at Source Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System): A web portal that manages TDS-related compliance and reconciliation.
- e-Filing and Centralized Processing Centre (CPC) Systems: The platform eases tax return filing and automated processing.
- Income Tax Business Application (ITBA): A system that handles taxpayer information, along with the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card and TAN databases.
- Project information: A compliance and reporting system is been utilized for the data analytics and legislation.
Definition of Protected Systems
Protected Systems are mentioned as the computer resources, networks, or databases that are as important and need to improve security as their significance to an organization, government, or national infrastructure. Against unauthorized access, cyber threats, and other vulnerabilities such systems are protected.
In India (IT Act, 2000)
the Indian government Under Section 70 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 can report specific systems as protected systems if they are important to national security, economy, public health, or safety. If there is any unauthorized access to these systems then it is regarded as a serious offence directed to severe penalties.
