IMD limits weather data access amid cyber threats from Pakistan, Afghanistan

NEW DELHI: The
India Meteorological Department
has enhanced its cybersecurity protocols, implementing firewalls and password-protected access systems to safeguard its weather data infrastructure following suspicious access attempts traced to Pakistan and Afghanistan.
"So far, IMD websites and databases were accessed by many without any security measures. Due to recent situations of cyber threats from outside the country, it was decided to install firewalls and also user ID password-based access to restricted individuals. This can help prevent cyber attacks," IMD, Hyderabad, director Dr K Nagaratna explained TOI.
The organisation has limited access to automatic weather stations and RAPID systems, which are essential for analysing INSAT data and identifying weather patterns.
This restriction has affected weather enthusiasts and independent forecasters who previously relied on these resources.
"IMD has now restricted access to AWS and RAPID. This was so useful for weather enthusiasts and bloggers," noted Balaji T, popularly known as Telangana Weatherman.
He detailed that AWS system includes, remote stations, telemetry, and Earth receiving stations, equipped to measure temperature, humidity, pressure, rainfall, wind, solar radiation, and soil metrics.
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"RADAR of IMD is still accessible. We don't know when it will go off. We, as weather enthusiasts, feel that giving access to this data will not be an issue of cyber security. We use ground observations and international models. It will be difficult for young weather enthusiasts. They have to now depend on international data," he added.
"Worldwide, weather data is liberalised, making it open data. India is going in reverse," Balaji noted.
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