In view of the increasing tension between India and Pakistan, the government has asked telecom operators to be ready. All private and government telecom operators have been instructed to ensure preparations for disaster levels i.e. disaster levels, maintaining uninterrupted telecom connectivity across the country and working together with each other to guarantee seamless network operations. In the meeting held on May 7, all telecom companies were instructed to be more vigilant about network security across the country, laying special emphasis on border areas and other sensitive areas.
An official associated with the discussion told Moneycontrol, “A meeting took place between the officials and telecom companies of the Department of Telecommunications … Telecom companies were instructed to create their network for disasters during cyclone or war. It includes Testing of Standard Operating Processors (SOPs) related to fuel supply, control rooms and quick reaction teams.”
Department, in constant contact with companies
The Department of Telecommunications on Wednesday issued a circular appealing to telecom companies to take initial precautions and ensure SOP. The official said that the department is in constant touch with companies. Another senior official of the department said that all telecom companies have been asked to be vigilant. In the case of safety protocols, they are already following all protocols, but if necessary, they may be asked to strengthen safety with more measures.
During the meeting, the Department of Telecommunications ordered telecom companies to work with each other to work with each other to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. In addition, companies were asked to inform DOT about any network downtime and monitor it regularly.
Security protocol up-to-date
A top executive working with one of private telecom companies says that security protocols are up-to-date, and all telecom companies submit a compliance report to DOT every month. The Executive said, “SOPs are being ensured, no major tangling is needed at security level or network hardware level.”
The Government of India has issued special instructions to its nodal cyber agency, Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in), financial institutions and other important sectors to strengthen their cyber security. These instructions have been issued in view of the increase in cyber attacks targeting Indian Digital Infrastructure.
This earnings extend ahead of the government network, private industries are also joining rapid response efforts to combat emerging hazards. CERT-in particularly issued advice to banks and other major areas. In addition, the government has established a comprehensive alert and coordination mechanism with industry associations like Nasscom.