NEW DELHI: The department of IT has established the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) to respond to computer security incidents reported by the Indian Cyber community.

CERT-In provides reactive and proactive services for enhancing cyber security. Incident response teams with expertise on major hardware and software platforms have been set up to confront the security concerns.

This team will create enhanced awareness among the cyber community regarding information and computer security by issuing security guidelines and informing about the latest security threats, prevention measures, solutions by issuing advisories, vulnerabilities notes and incidents notes.

The operations of CERT-In will be carried out in the Secure Operating Center (S-NOC). An incident response help desk has been set up in the office, which can be reached at 1-600-11-4949 and fax number 1-600-11-6969.

These incidents can also be reported through its website www.cert-in.org.in.

On the occasion, minister of IT and Disinvestment Arun Shourie said, "There are certain acupuncture points that can hamper the vitals of the economy. These consequences can be catastrophic for the civilians."

He added that similar initiatives are required by the government to make sure that the economy runs seamlessly, especially for the BPOs. "We might have a security breach and be blamed on our quality of work," he added.

Nasscom president Kiran Karnik said, "I foresee such proactive measures in the future and I feel these will be crucial for the development of IT in India."

(CyberMedia News Service)