The Centre for e-Governance Department, under the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR e-Governance), has undertaken the massive upgrade to CMS 4.0 — a newer, safer, and more responsive platform for state-run websites.
So far, around 600 government portals have completed migration, while the remaining 600 are in various stages of transition. Each of Karnataka’s 72 major departments maintains multiple websites, all of which are being shifted to the new version.
Officials said the transition aims to enhance resilience against cyberattacks and improve citizen experience through faster, secure, and visually accessible platforms.
Multiple Layers of Protection and User Verification
According to officials, the CMS 4.0 version includes multiple safety layers, OTP-based authentication, and QR code verification features — making it significantly harder for hackers to target government portals.
“The new system is less prone to virus attacks and ensures better user protection,” said an official from the e-Governance wing. The upgrades are being accompanied by hands-on training for staff managing these digital interfaces to ensure operational continuity and compliance.
Responding to a Pattern of Cyber Incidents
The upgrade follows several cyber incidents across India, including the Kaveri 2.0 application hack earlier this year, which disrupted property registration and document services in Karnataka.
Every year, between 50 and 60 government websites across the country face attempted breaches. Karnataka, however, has reported fewer such incidents — but officials said the state is determined to further minimize risks through proactive measures and continuous monitoring.
Balancing Security with Accessibility
Officials said CMS 4.0 has been developed not only to improve security but also to enhance accessibility for visually impaired users and ensure that portals are responsive and user-friendly.
“The websites should not just look attractive but functionally empower citizens,” an official noted.
Cybersecurity expert Pankit Desai, Co-Founder and CEO of Sequretek, welcomed the move but cautioned that “continuous upgradation and rigorous testing” are essential for maintaining the system’s integrity. “A system is only as strong as its last test,” he said.
