Telecom Security policy to be vetted by National Information Board

The telecom department has sought the National Information Board's approval on the draft telecom security policy before referring it to the Cabinet Committee on Security.

The National Information Board (NIB) is India's top policy-making wing on cyber security headed by National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon. The NIB's views are critical since national law enforcement agencies (LEAs) will be closely involved in implementing the telecom security policy with DoT. 

India's draft telecom security policy, rues the country's heavy dependence on imported core telecom equipment, many domestic telephone networks more vulnerable to unforeseen threats as they can be managed remotely.

The decision to frame telecom security standards was largely induced by the home ministry's concerns about Chinese gearmakers, which had rocked the country's telecoms space three years ago and delayed network expansion plans of several mobile phone companies.

More recently, a government panel had also recommended that India emulate the US model and run detailed audits on hardware and software used in telecom networks, and even undertake periodic checks for unauthorized electronics or suspicious gear capable of duplicating or redirecting data. 

Though the updated telecom security framework does not explicitly name Chinese telecom gear makers as a potential threat, it mandates future procurements from "trusted Indian or foreign sources" . It also directs mobile operators to get their networks audited once a year by reputed global agencies for bugs and other security breaches. 

The telecom security regulations also build a strong case for creating indigenous capacity of software and electronics used in telecom networks. They even indicate "effective systems, processes and regulations would be in place to arm LEAs to continuously monitor telecom networks for intrusions, attacks or other forms of fraudulent activity. 

The proposed telecom security policy will, however, not address the needs of a secure communications network being built by BSNL and MTNL to ensure confidentiality between government departments. It will also not address the security requirements of India's military communications network.

Source: http://cablequest.org/news/telecom-news/item/2800-telecom-security-policy-to-be-vetted-by-national-information-board.htmlSource: http://cablequest.org/news/telecom-news/item/2800-telecom-security-policy-to-be-vetted-by-national-information-board.html