Infosys, others seek CISF help on network security

Monday, 19 March 2007, 17:30 IST
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New Delhi: IT major Infosys and many top companies and establishments in the country have asked the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), known for its guard duty at airports and industrial establishments, for its lesser known expertise in the area of network security. "We are in the process of signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Infosys after being approached by the company for technical help," a top CISF official told IANS on condition of anonymity. He said Infosys wanted to ensure complete security for all its data and installations. "Hence they have sought our cooperation." The official added that the CISF would help Infosys in data management, anti-hacking measures and all hardware related protection services. They would develop required software for other concerned organisations in the banking and insurance sector as well. The Consultancy Cell of the force is currently rendering its technical services to prominent institutes and companies like Banasthali Deemed University in Rajasthan, Hero Honda in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and Government Security Printing Press in Nashik, Maharashtra. The force charges 80,000 from big organisations and 50,000 from the smaller companies and institutes - an amount fixed by the central government. The consultancy wing of the force, which has acquired expertise in the cyber world, is currently providing its services to nine government and private sector establishments. The CISF is soon set to offer specialised services to the financial sector. "The consultancy wing of the force would soon provide its services to banks and insurance companies for network security and integrity of confidential information related to credit cards," the official said. The force had recruited IT professionals and engineers from eminent institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Delhi College of Engineering (DCE) for the development of its consultancy wing. "We may also increase the expenditure on research, if approached by more clients," he added. The CISF was formed in 1969 with about 3,000 personnel to primarily provide security to India's state-run industrial units. Today it has moved to other fields like securing airports, government buildings, nuclear stations, oil rigs, museums, monuments, as well as VIP security and disaster management. Its 105,000 personnel provide security cover to 269 government establishments, including 54 domestic and international airports, and fire protection to 77 undertakings.
Source: IANS