Help is under way for all crisis

viMUMBAI, INDIA: By next year, there will be a database of over one lakh professionals who can extend help during a crisis like Mumbai terror attack or an emergency like password hacking.

City-based Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC), a non-profit organization supported by the Government of India has announced the National Security Database project during the international malware convention ‘Malcon 2011’.

“During the time of Mumbai attacks, we thought what can we do for the country and how we can protect it. So the idea of national database was conceived wherein we could have a list of professionals in specific areas who can work with government agencies during the time of emergency or crisis,” said Krishnamurthy Setty, ISAC director and Proton communications and Computers’ CEO.

The project will bring together experts and professionals with in-depth knowledge and expertise in the area of information and cyber security. “We aim to have a strong database of over one lakh professionals by next year,” Setty added.

However, the professionals will be selected based on written and practical test followed by psychometric examination as well as personal background checks since it would involve confidential information sharing.

Addressing the conference via videoconference, Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology, said, “Cyber security is a key concern for India. And we need to come together to bring our resources and technology to beef up our cyber security.”

According to Pilot, India is moving into the information technology, e-commerce and developing universal digital access for social benefits and pointed, “There have been number of attacks on Indian websites in recent times.”

Further, “It’s important to work with international governments in a collaborative way to develop international laws against cyber attacks. We cannot be complacent on security and NSD will go a long way in helping and strengthening security of India,” Pilot commented.

Under the NSD project, a large number of ethical hackers across India are expected to join the database and work with cyber enforcement and security authorities to defend government and corporate organizations against cyber attacks and hacking incidents.ew.com