Latest news with #PAN-related
Mint
5 days ago
- Mint
Cyber Jagrookta Diwas: CERT-In shares 10 tips to stay safe from malware and deepfake scams
As cyber scams continue to proliferate across India, government authorities have stepped up efforts to raise public awareness, with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) markingCyber Jagrookta Diwas today by highlighting emerging threats such as deepfake scams, phishing emails, and malware attacks. The move follows weeks after the Press Information Bureau's (PIB) Fact Check unit and the Income Tax Department flagged a phishing campaign targeting Indian taxpayers. The scam, dubbed 'PAN 2.0,' involved emails from suspicious addresses likeinfo@ luring recipients with the promise of an upgraded electronic PAN card. Users were directed to a fraudulent website resembling an official portal and asked to enter sensitive information such as PAN, Aadhaar, and bank account details, potentially exposing them to identity theft and financial fraud. Officials have reiterated that the Income Tax Department does not send unsolicited emails or messages requesting personal or financial information. All legitimate PAN-related services are only available through official government websites. In light of such incidents, CERT-In, the government's nodal agency for cybersecurity, has issued a list of ten best practices aimed at protecting citizens from deepfake scams and malware threats. Verify suspicious voice or video requests – Deepfake technology can convincingly imitate voices and faces. Always confirm requests using a separate communication method before responding. Never share OTPs or banking credentials – Even if a message or call appears urgent or official, do not reveal sensitive information. Be cautious about uploading photos – Avoid sharing your personal images on unverified apps or websites that may misuse them for deepfake generation. Discuss cyber threats with vulnerable groups – Children and senior citizens are often targets. Talk to them about the risks associated with deepfakes and phishing. – Children and senior citizens are often targets. Talk to them about the risks associated with deepfakes and phishing. Enable multi-factor authentication – Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts by using authentication apps or biometrics. – Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts by using authentication apps or biometrics. Avoid unknown links on social media – Clicking unfamiliar or clickbait links can trigger malware downloads or redirect to phishing sites. – Clicking unfamiliar or clickbait links can trigger malware downloads or redirect to phishing sites. Check app permissions – Limit what access your installed apps have, especially to your camera, microphone, and location data. – Limit what access your installed apps have, especially to your camera, microphone, and location data. Keep devices updated – Install security patches and operating system updates promptly to close known vulnerabilities. Use antivirus or anti-malware software – Trusted security tools can help detect and block threats before they cause harm. – Trusted security tools can help detect and block threats before they cause harm. Report incidents to CERT-In – If you suspect a cyber attack or have already been targeted, report it promptly to India's Computer Emergency Response Team via
Mint
6 days ago
- Business
- Mint
PAN 2.0 goes live next year: What does this mean? What should existing holders do?
The Income Tax (I-T) Department is expected to bring its ambitious ₹ 1,435 crore PAN 2.0 project live next year, and has chosen IT major LTIMindtree as the Managed Service Provider (MSP) for the design, development, implementation, operations, and maintenance of the project. Expected to be a 'one-stop platform' to comprehensively handle matters related to PAN and TAN, such as allotment, updates or corrections, Aadhaar-PAN linking, re-issuance requests, online PAN validation etc., it is aimed at simplifying the PAN and TAN processes, enhance quality of service, and improving grievance redressal mechanisms. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the I-T dept's ₹ 1,435-crore project on November 25, 2024. At present, PAN-related services are spread across three different platforms — the e-Filing Portal, UTIITSL Portal, and Protean e-Gov Portal. With PAN 2.0, services will be merged into a single, unified portal. PAN 2.0 will comprehensively use technology for paperless processes. Allotment / updation / correction of PAN will be done free of cost and e-PAN will be sent to the registered mail ID. A 10-digit alpha-numeric number, Permanent Account Number (PAN) is issued by the I-T dept to Indian taxpayers. Similarly, Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) is a 10-digit alpha-numeric number that is obtained by all persons responsible for deducting tax at source or who are required to collect tax at source. PAN has an existing database of over 81.24 crore, while TAN has more than 73 lakh holders. These existing PAN holders are not required to apply for a new one under the upgraded PAN 2.0 system. This involves ease of access, speedy service delivery with improved quality, a single source of truth and data consistency, eco-friendly processes and cost optimisation, and security and optimisation of infrastructure for greater agility, according to an official statement. The government aims to enable the Pan 2.0 project under Digital India, which will make PAN eligible as a common identifier for all digital systems of specified government agencies. The new system aims to upgrade the current PAN/TAN 1.0 eco-system, consolidating the core and non-core PAN/TAN activities and the PAN validation service, as per the official release. The QR code has been incorporated in PAN cards since 2017-18. The same will be continued under the PAN 2.0 project with enhancements such as a dynamic QR code that displays the latest data present in the PAN database. PAN holders who have an old PAN Card without a QR code have the option to apply for a new card with a QR code in the existing PAN 1.0 ecosystem as well as in PAN 2.0.
India.com
6 days ago
- Business
- India.com
PAN 2.0 Project Likely To Roll Out In 18 Months; Are Existing PAN Holders Required To Reapply For New Card? EXPLAINED
3 / 8 i. Integration of Platforms: Presently, the PAN-related services are hosted on three different portals (e-Filing Portal, UTIITSL Portal, and Protean e-Gov Portal). In the PAN 2.0 Project, all PAN/TAN-related services will be hosted on a single unified portal of ITD. The said Portal would host all end-to-end services related to PAN and TAN like allotment, updation, correction, Online PAN Validation (OPV), Know your AO, Aadhaar-PAN linking, verify your PAN, request for e-PAN, request for re-print of PAN card etc. ii. Comprehensive use of technology for paperless processes: Complete online paperless process as against prevailing mode iii. Taxpayer facilitation: Allotment/updation/correction of PAN will be done free of cost and e-PAN will be sent to the registered mail id. For a physical PAN card, the applicant has to make a request along with the prescribed fee of Rs 50 (domestic). For delivery of the card outside India, Rs 15 plus India post charges at actuals will be charged to the applicant.
Mint
6 days ago
- Business
- Mint
PAN 2.0 tax platform: Digital diligence please
Next Story Mint Editorial Board LMIMindtree won the contract for this taxpayer identity system's digital upgrade. Let's hope lessons were learnt from the rushed GST rollout. PAN 2.0 should be pre-tested well. Various portals for PAN-related services are to be unified, with an emphasis on making them user-friendly and easing digital processes. Gift this article Software company LTIMindtree has reportedly won the Income Tax Department's contract for its PAN 2.0 project, which aims to upgrade India's Permanent Account Number (PAN) system for taxpayer identification. Software company LTIMindtree has reportedly won the Income Tax Department's contract for its PAN 2.0 project, which aims to upgrade India's Permanent Account Number (PAN) system for taxpayer identification. From the design and development of PAN 2.0 as a platform to its operation and upkeep, the Mumbai-based firm will serve tax authorities as a 'managed service provider." Also read: Profiteering worries cast cloud over GST cuts Various portals for PAN-related services are to be unified, with an emphasis on making them user-friendly and easing digital processes, but without asking PAN card holders to get fresh ones issued. While taxpayers can look forward to this platform's rollout, scheduled within 18 months, it's vital to minimize any scope for user dissonance that may arise from a rushed job. Speedy reforms are welcome, but not at the cost of digital diligence. At one time, the hope was that Aadhaar would subsume PAN. Topics You May Be Interested In Catch all the Business News, Market News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.
Economic Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Govt awards Rs 792 crore PAN 2.0 project to LTI Mindtree
LTI Mindtree has secured a Rs 792 crore contract from the Income Tax Department for the PAN 2.0 project. The project aims to revamp the tax administration system. It will improve identity verification and streamline taxpayer records. Data security and analytics will also be enhanced. The project is expected to be live in 18 months. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The central government has awarded the PAN 2.0 project of the Income Tax Department to LTI Mindtree Ltd , people familiar with the development said. The total value of the contract is Rs 792 to sources, the project is targeted to go live within the next 18 months. The award follows the formal approval granted by the Narendra Modi-led Cabinet in November 2024, Reuters PAN 2.0 initiative is part of a broader overhaul of the tax administration system aimed at improving identity verification , streamlining taxpayer records , and enhancing data security and analytics. The project is also expected to integrate PAN services with various digital platforms and improve user access to PAN-related functions.
