“I want to bring to your attention a critical matter. My laptop, smartphone and server have been repeatedly hacked and severely compromised over the past few weeks,” Pitroda wrote in an email to the news agency ANI.
“The hackers have issued threats, demanding payment of tens of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency. They have warned that if unpaid they will launch a smear and misinformation campaign to tarnish my reputation by contacting people in my network,” Pitroda added.
In his email, Pitroda has further advised people not to click or respond to any email or message linked to him as it might contain malware that could compromise devices.
“If you receive any emails or messages that appear to be about me from any unknown email/mobile no, I urge to not to open them, not to click on my links and not to download any attachments (Just Delete it) that may contain malware that could compromise your own devices,” Pitroda mentioned in his email.
Pitroda, who is currently away from Chicago, said that he is planning to take immediate action in this regard once he is back in the city. He noted that among several steps he will take include “replacing outdated hardware, upgrading software and implementing robust new security measures to safeguard my digital presence.”
He has also apologised to people for any inconvenience.
“I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience or concern this situation may cause,” he added.
Earlier this year, Pitroda was re-appointed by the Congress party as the chairperson of its overseas unit within two months after he announced his exit after his controversial remarks on India’s diversity.
A close associate of the Gandhi family, Pitroda had initially resigned on May 8, while his decision was described by the party as taken “on his own accord”.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
