IT’s zero security in several software firms

Dec. 10: Though IT companies in the city say they have adequate security it’s very easy for one to sneak into their premises during any time of the day or night.
Though intelligence agencies have warned of terror groups planning to target IT and software companies, this reporter walked into two leading IT parks in the city after 10 pm and was not stopped by anyone.
The guards who were on duty also seemed to be careless and busy gossiping and failed to notice the people entering the building.
One of the employees told this reporter that security personnel did not bother to check even when the staff used the access card of colleagues to take friends and relatives inside the office canteen.
“The watchman did not check the photo and name while entering,” said the employee. “The moment we flashed the card from a distance we were let inside.”
Chennai being the home for many large and mid sized IT companies cannot compromise on such basic security issues. Misusing cards maybe fun for employees but in this season, one never knows who might walk in with weapons.
Mr Julian Francis, spokesperson for Olympia Techno Park in Guindy, said, “We screen every person who enters our premises. We have security cameras installed at all gates, floors, parking lot and cafeteria area.”
He added that even the vehicles entering our techno park go through a complete check and the watchman notes down the vehicle number. “The employees who come in have to walk through a metal detector and outsiders must register their names at the entrance and get a temporary card to enter the food court and other areas,” he added. When asked whether the police has any role in this sector, the city police commissioner, Mr T. Rajendran, said, “The IT companies have private security systems to guard the premises and we keep in constant touch with them. The physical and network security is in place and there is no need to worry.”