Page 6 - Cyber Security

Govt constitutes committee to draft safety pledge for e-comm platforms

The government has constituted a committee to draft the safety pledge for e-commerce platforms as it seeks to prevent the sale of unsafe goods to consumers through online marketplaces. The panel, which includes members from major e-commerce platforms, voluntary consumer associations, industry bodies and National Law Universities, will submit its report in two weeks. According to an official statement on Thursday, the Department of Consumer Affairs held a stakeholder consultation on preparation for a 'Safety Pledge' for e-commerce platforms. The exercise is aimed at ensuring the sale of goods which are safe for use by consumers and requires platforms to take appropriate measures to prevent the sale of unsafe goods. The meeting was chaired by Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs and was attended by representatives from industry associations, major e-commerce platforms, voluntary consumer associations and law chairs. "The Department has constituted a committee

Half of Indian IT leaders feel security missing component in data policy

As many as 49 per cent of Indian IT industry leaders feel that security is a missing component in their organisation's data policy, a study by US-based data security firm Rubrik has revealed. As marquee brands continue to reveal the challenges of successful cyber attacks targeting their business data, the report said it has found a "stark reality". It says that globally, about one in every two organisations surveyed suffered a loss of sensitive data during last year. The research was conducted in the US, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, Singapore, and India between June 30 and July 11, 2023. The data includes over 35 exabytes of logical storage secured and more than 24 billion sensitive data records from January 2022 through July 2023. In fact, one of six organisations experienced multiple losses of data in the past 12 months, the report, which was released on Wednesday, said. In the research report, 'The State of Data Security: The Journey to Se

Saudi Arabia's cyber diplomacy

In a deeply polarised arena, the kingdom is carving out its niche in global cybersecurity cooperation

MoRTH proposes uniform cyber security & management system for four-wheelers

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed uniform Cyber Security and Management Systems (CSMS) provisions for certain categories of four-wheelers, passenger and commercial vehicles to protect their functions from cyber threats. MoRTH, in a draft titled 'Approval of vehicles with regards to Cyber Security and Cyber Security management system', said that the application for approval of a vehicle type with regard to cyber security shall be submitted by the vehicle manufacturer or by their duly accredited representative. "Based on the discussion in the 66th meeting of Automotive Industry Standards Committee (AISC) held on 14th July, 2023, the Committee agreed to formulate an Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) for approval of vehicles equipped with Cyber Security and Management Systems (CSMS). "The purpose of this standard is to establish uniform provisions for CSMS fitted to motor vehicles of categories M and N," the draft report said. According to the draft repo

Russia to limit only VPN services which pose a 'threat' to security

Demand for VPN services soared after Russia restricted access to some Western social media after President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Ukraine in February 2022

MFIs need to focus on data privacy, cyber security: SBI MD Choudhary

State Bank of India (SBI) managing director Alok Kumar Choudhary on Wednesday said there is a need for micro finance institutions (MFIs) to pay attention to data privacy and cyber security as they deal with data of a large number of customers. Speaking at a conference organised by Sa-Dhan, he said, MFIs should also focus on capacity building to deal with the challenges of the future. "The second thing which is very important is the integration with the evolving regulation particularly when you have data privacy law. The enormous amount of data which has been handled by all the MFIs, this particular aspect (data privacy) requires attention and some kind of action plan needs to be in place," he said. Financial institutions need to focus on improving ease of transaction through digital means, he said, adding, the need of the customers in the changing time has to be addressed as per their convenience and ease. "For this segment of (bottom of the pyramid) customers, we need to understan

Infosys US unit hit by cyber security event; probe on to identify impact

The company said it is working with a cyber security company to resolve the issue

Significant increase in demand for AI, blockchain talent in India: Report

India's tech industry is going through a transformative stage and the growing demand for automation and technical skills like big data analytics and artificial intelligence has created the need for skilled talent in the industry, says a report. According to global recruitment firm Michael Page India, there was 28-30 per cent growth in the demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, Machine Learning (ML) and Cyber Security talent in the third quarter of 2023. "As AI continues to transform various sectors, companies are seeking top talent to harness the potential of this technology. The demand remains high for experienced talent at mid to senior levels," said Pranshu Upadhyay, Regional Director of Michael Page India. Demand remains high for experienced talent at mid to senior level. Observing the job postings volume on the Michael Page India website, a significant surge in demand, ranging from 28-30 per cent, was seen in Q3 2023 compared to Q1 and Q2. "A noticeable shift is

Quick Heal v24 consumer-focused cyber security solution launched: Details

Quick Heal v24 is powered by GoDeep.AI technology, which the company described as a self-aware malware-hunting innovation that enhances protection against emerging threats

Cyber insurance gains momentum in India, set to witness growth: Deloitte

The cyber insurance market in India is expected to grow by 27-30 per cent in the coming years, a Deloitte report said forecasting cyber insurance gaining momentum. The report indicates that the current Indian cyber insurance market is valued at USD 5060 million, maintaining a steady 2730 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the past three years. "This growth is expected to continue for the next 35 years, driven by an increased awareness of the need for cyber insurance," the report 'Cyber Insurance in India' said. It identifies industries heavily involved in digitisation, such as IT, pharma, and manufacturing, as well as those integrated with broader economic sectors like supply chain, retail, critical industries, and finance, to be the prime targets of cybercriminals. "These sectors are typically early adopters of cyber insurance," it said. The report included a survey of several Chief Information Security Officers (CISO), with 70 per cent of respondents expressing ...

40% of cyber security teams in Indian organisations understaffed: Report

5 key technical skills considered for employment, says respondents in annual survey

A question of balance in age gating for children of the internet

India's new cyber law on parental consent sparks debate on digital privacy and security

House panel to scrutinise India's Ukraine response, strategic preparedness

India's strategic operational preparedness in view of the current security scenario, its response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the cyber-security scenario in the country will come under the scanner of parliamentary panels. The Parliamentary Committee on Defence, chaired by BJP member Jual Oram, will also review the working of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), examine the role of the Indian Army in ensuring defence of the country and also study the resettlement policies, healthcare facilities and pensionary avenues for ex-servicemen, and the agnipath scheme in the Armed Forces. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by BJP member P P Chaudhary, will examine the government's efforts in countering global terrorism at regional and international levels, India's position in ongoing climate change negotiations, Russia-Ukraine conflict, its global impact and India's response; concerns and issues pertaining Indian students studying ...

Cisco to buy cybersecurity firm Splunk for $28 bn, as AI threats widen

Cisco is buying the cybersecurity firm Splunk in a USD 28 billion deal as it bolsters its defences against potential security threats that may be heightened by the widening use of artificial intelligence. The Silicon Valley tech giant will pay USD 157 per Splunk Inc. share. Our combined capabilities will drive the next generation of AI-enabled security and observability, Cisco Chair and CEO Chuck Robbins said in a prepared statement. From threat detection and response to threat prediction and prevention, we will help make organisations of all sizes more secure and resilient. The boards of both companies approved the acquisition, which is expected to close by the end of 2024's third quarter. It still needs approval from Splunk shareholders. Shares of Cisco Systems Inc. fell more than 4 per cent before the market open on Thursday, while Splunk's stock surged nearly 22 per cent.

General Datatech to expand India operations, double headcount in 1 year

GDT will be hiring both laterals and freshers from Indian colleges. In terms of skills, it would be focussing on networking-related skills like 5G, SD-WAN, and Wi-Fi 6.

Tata Power Delhi Distribution ties with Utiltyx to ensure cyber security

Tata Power Delhi Distribution on Tuesday announced its strategic partnership with Utiltyx, the Indian arm of the US-based cyber security and data analytics software company. The partnership aims to enhance the company's preparedness against future threats and challenges related to cyber security, a company statement said. The association is aimed at augmenting IED (Intelligent Electronic Device) visibility, adding strengths to the capabilities of Tata Power-DDL to fight cyber threats and providing credible & real-time analytics for its distribution grid, thereby preparing the power distribution infrastructure for future threats and growth, the statement said. This assumes significance in view of threats of trojan malware on India's power supply system especially from some of the neighbouring nations. There have been reportedly certain instances of cyber attacks on India's power supply systems in different pockets. The company stated that this collaboration marks a significant ...

Global companies to hike security spending as threats rise: Survey

A survey of 1,775 chief security officers in 30 countries found their companies had lost more than $1 trillion in revenue in 2022 as a result of non-cyber security incidents

Cos need to assess cyber-risks quarterly instead of yearly: Deloitte

Companies need to assess their cyber risks on a quarterly basis owing to immense technological advancements, a senior executive at Deloitte India said on Tuesday. Deloitte India Risk Advisory Partner Digvijaysinh Chudasama said companies and citizens alike should impose self-guidelines for cyber protection, and be aware of implications of sharing sensitive data, online. "Primarily to be protected from enterprise point or government point, if companies maintain the right and complete audit and compliances on a regular basis, because this is... very important, instead of doing something on a yearly basis, if they start looking at it now because the technology and perceptions are changing. "(Companies) should start doing these audits and assessments of cybersecurity for their enterprises, applications, data centers and networks on a quarterly basis, rather than yearly basis," he told PTI. This is also important as hackers are now launching sophisticated attacks. Chudasama also ...

Sebi brings guidelines to boost cyber security framework for exchanges

Capital markets regulator Sebi on Tuesday came out with guidelines to strengthen the existing cyber security and cyber resilience framework for stock exchanges and other market infrastructure institutions (MIIs). The new guidelines will come into force with immediate effect, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said in a circular. "Considering the interconnectedness and interdependency of the MIIs to carry out their functions, the cyber risk of any given MII is no longer limited to the MII's owned or controlled systems, networks, and assets," Sebi said. Accordingly, the regulator came out with guidelines to strengthen the existing framework for MIIs -- stock exchanges, clearing corporations, and repositories. Under the guidelines, MIIs will have to maintain offline, encrypted backups of data and regularly test these backups at least every quarter to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Further, they should explore the possibility of retaining spare ...

G20 ministers agree on treating cyber security as a global problem

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday said there was a consensus during the G20 Digital Economy Ministers' Meeting that cyber security is an international problem that requires collaboration and steps for building trust and respect for other economies. The minister, who holds the Electronics, IT, Communications and Railways portfolios, said there was absolute consensus in the G20 meeting on the concept and application of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), cyber security and skilling in handling digital technology. Elaborating on the discussions on cyber security, he said some "very good principles" were achieved in terms of cyber security. "It was clearly agreed and understood by everybody that cyber security or information security or digital security, whatever we call it, different countries call it with different names...this is something which is an international problem and we must collaborate," Vaishnaw said in a press briefing here. He further said, "We must take ste