Telecommunications companies fail to share information on data security

Hyderabad: Only 15 to 20 phone companies out of 36 have responded to the government's directive to share information about security measures they have taken to ensure that data on users is not compromised.

Recent reports regarding leaking of data from phones to unauthorised third country servers and parties led to this step.

The Centre has sent notices to mobile phone makers in China and other countries to know about the procedures followed by them for data security.

Over 21 phone makers including leading brands like Oppo, Gionee, Xiaomi and Vivo have been asked to submit a detailed response.

A special announcement made by Ajay Kumar, Additional Secretary, Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology stated that 10 percent of the IT budget in all ministries will be henceforth used for cyber security which is a new initiative. He said the increase in cyber security crimes will awaken the need of over two million people for security. He also said that an estimated two million people would be required in the cyber security area. Engineering colleges have been asked to work along with the ministry to run cyber security courses.