IT ministry writes to 21 Smartphone makers to disclose data security measures
By MYBRANDBOOK
After the recent escalation in number of security issues and to ensure the security of Smartphones, the IT ministry has asked 21 Smartphone manufacturers to share the procedures and processes they follow to fortify the security of data and Smartphones vended in India.
According to the reports, the ministry has given time till 28th August to the 21 Smartphone vendors out of which majority are Chinese manufacturers, namely Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, Lenovo and Gionee besides the renowned brands like Apple and Samsung. The ministry has also notified the companies with penalties such as unlimited compensation depending on the damage caused under the IT Act 43 (A) in case fixed processes are not being followed.
The orders have come out after many international and national reports which pointed out the data leaks from Smartphones.
As also revealed by the officials aware with the matter, the devices, operating systems, preloaded apps and softwares will foster scrutiny. In a statement to a media portal, a ministry official said that the Smartphones are an eminent part of digital India campaign, and as to the latest reported data leaks, it necessitates security.
He asserts that the safety and security procedures are necessary since they hold valuable information such as digital transactions and user’s personal data. The official also revealed that the testing and verification of devices will soon be conducted in India as the government upgrading its existing laboratory facilities.
In addition, to assure data security the ministry of electronics and IT has started working on preparing a separate law. With this the Indian telecom regulator has also started consultations related to ownership, security and privacy of data on telecom networks.
Commenting on this, Sanjay Nayak, CEO & MD, Tejas Network, said “Telecom networks are prone to cyber-attacks and if the equipment is from untrusted or foreign sources, the security of such networks can be certainly compromised. Such equipment can contain malware, trapdoors and hidden features, which cannot be detected by any amount of external testing and hence it is easily possible to shut-down or blackout a telecom network remotely. In addition, during any emergencies, the supply chain of such equipment can be disrupted and availability of spares and future support can be jeopardized. In India, at times we have seen companies from certain countries bid predatory prices in government tenders to gain access to such security-sensitive networks."
He adds, Given that telecom infrastructure is a key element of national security, most advanced countries in the world have invested in strengthening their indigenous technological capabilities and rely on sourcing equipment from their own country for any security-sensitive networks.”
The notice to the 21 companies issued after the IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad called a meeting with senior officials to assess the situation of Smartphone security and data leakages in the country and hence ordered the companies to follow the global security standards.
The government of India intends to construct a single portal f
A single portal will be launched by the Indian government to list all of it...
OpenAI offers GPT-4o, a faster model available to all users at
GPT-4o, a faster and more sophisticated AI model, is made available to all...
Paytm brings UPI Lite Wallet for low-value transactions
Paytm’s parent company One97 Communications (OCL) is emphasizing upon UP...
BHIM to join e-commerce, competing with PhonePe and Google Pay
The government-supported payment software BHIM is getting ready to join t...
FIREBOLTT
TEJAS NETWORKS INDIA PVT. LTD.
FINOLEX INDUSTRIES LTD.
MATRIX COMSEC PVT. LTD.
Technology Icons Of India 2023: Vijay Shekhar Sharma
Vijay Shekhar Sharma is an Indian technology entrepreneur and billiona...
Technology Icons Of India 2023: Ajit Balakrishnan
The Company markets specific channels, community features, local langu...
Technology Icons Of India 2023: Madhabi Puri Buch
Madhabi Puri Buch is the chairperson of the securities regulatory body...
BSE provides highly secure, efficient and transparent market for trading
BSE (formerly known as Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd.) is Asia's first & t...
HPCL is transforming the energy landscape, across the nation and beyond
HPCL is world-class energy company known for caring and delighting the...
INDIANOIL helps reach precious petroleum fuels to every nook and corner of the country
IndianOil, a diversified, integrated energy major with presence in alm...
ACCERON INFOSOL PVT. LTD.
It is a leading value added distributor in the IT security space and h...
SAVEX TECHNOLOGIES PVT. LTD.
Savex Technologies is the 3rd largest Information & Communication Tec...
IRIS GLOBAL SERVICES PVT. LTD.
Iris Global services is one of the leading distribution houses that d...