CBSE deployed cybersecurity experts from IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, and government agencies to secure the OnMark portal amid technical failures and OSM tender controversy.
CBSE Responds to OnMark Portal Security Concerns
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) deployed cybersecurity experts from IITs and government agencies to audit and strengthen the OnMark portal amid the ongoing controversy surrounding its On-Screen Marking (OSM) evaluation process. On Sunday, CBSE announced that it closely monitors vulnerabilities flagged in the OnMark portal of its service provider and takes immediate action to secure the system.
The Ministry of Education tasked IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur with conducting a technical audit amid concerns over rising portal traffic, payment glitches, and possible cyberattacks. CBSE stated that identified vulnerabilities have contained and efforts underway ensure no other exploitable weaknesses remain in the system.
Expert Teams Fortify Cybersecurity Infrastructure
CBSE deployed an expert team of cybersecurity professionals from across various government arms and IITs over the last few days to fortify these systems. The team migrates systems to more secure setups and strengthens the infrastructure against potential cyber threats.
CBSE said, “We have been closely monitoring the vulnerabilities in the OnMark portal of our service provider that flag in the public domain. An expert team of cybersecurity professionals has deployed over the last few days from across various arms of the government as well as the IITs to fortify these systems, including taking them over to a more secure set up.”
The board confirmed that identified vulnerabilities contain and other exploitable weaknesses rule out. The board is also working actively to prevent any future cyberattacks on the portal that handles millions of students’ mark sheets and personal data.
CBSE Thanks Ethical Hackers and Alert Citizens
CBSE thanked alert citizens and ethical hackers who pointed out potential security issues and directly engaged with some of them. The board acknowledged the valuable contributions of individuals who helped identify weaknesses in the system.
CBSE said, “We are grateful to all alert citizens and ethical hackers pointing out such weaknesses, and have gotten in touch with some of them directly.” This collaborative approach also demonstrates CBSE’s commitment to transparency and proactive security measures.
Ethical hackers play a crucial role in identifying vulnerabilities before malicious actors exploit them. By engaging with these individuals, CBSE strengthens its defensive posture and builds trust with the public.
Mounting Pressure Over OSM Technical Failures
This security upgrade comes at a time when CBSE faces mounting pressure following reports of technical failures in its post-result portal and discrepancies in evaluated answer sheets. Students and parents reported payment glitches, slow portal access, and inconsistencies in mark sheets after the OSM evaluation process.
The controversy intensified after reports emerged about irregularities in the digital evaluation system. Students also noticed differences between their original answer sheets and the scanned versions used for online evaluation, raising questions about the accuracy and transparency of the marking process.
Rahul Gandhi Questions OSM Tender Process Transparency
Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi questioned the transparency of the CBSE tender process for its On-Screen Marking (OSM) digital evaluation system. Gandhi alleged that technical norms repeatedly diluted to enable a particular company to secure the contract.
In a post on X, Gandhi shared a media report on the issue and alleged that CBSE modified tender conditions multiple times before awarding the contract to COEMPT. The Congress MP alleged that several technical requirements relaxed during the process, including scanning resolution standards, robotic scanner requirements, and software certification norms.
Gandhi’s allegations sparked debate about the integrity of the bidding process and whether proper due diligence conducted before awarding the contract. The opposition demanded a thorough investigation into the tender process and called for greater transparency in CBSE’s digital initiatives.
CBSE Commits to Strengthening Digital Infrastructure
CBSE commits to strengthening its digital infrastructure and ensuring the security of student data. The board recognizes the importance of maintaining public trust in its evaluation processes and takes decisive action to address security concerns.
The deployment of IIT experts and government cybersecurity teams demonstrates CBSE’s seriousness about protecting the OnMark portal. As the board continues to modernize its evaluation systems, it must balance innovation with security and transparency to maintain confidence among students, parents, and educators.
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