Now time for IT industry to focus on data security: experts

After strengthening physical security around establishments, it is now time for the Indian IT companies to focus on securing data, industry experts said here today.

They said the IT and ITeS industry must consider the security centre as a "revenue enhancer" and not "cost centre".

Referring to the recent Mumbai terror attacks, Data Security Council of India (DSCI) Chairman Shyamal Ghosh said: "We are slowly moving towards a self-regulatory situation in the area of data security." Ghosh is a former Telecom Secretary.

DSCI is a self-regulatory organisation promoted by Nasscom.

IT professionals have to be registered with NSDL, which will provide background verification, Nasscom President Som Mittal said.

"We propose to go to campuses during the interviews so that the professionals can be registered," Mittal said.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Information Security Summit here, Ghosh said: "In the interests of the common man, the DSCI seeks to join as 'amicus curiae' in the courts."

Further, the self-regulatory organisation has sought special courts to try data-related cyber crimes. "We have conducted awareness programmes in Bhopal for the benefit of judicial officers," he said.

Referring to the proposed IT Bill (to be introduced in parliament), Ghosh said it has incorporated some of the recommendations made by the DSCI. Accordingly, the regulations have to be prepared in consultation with the IT industry, he added.