DoT has suggested that telcos undertake security audits of their networks, says Dhotre

Minister of state for communications Sanjay Dhotre has informed the parliament that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is of the view that companies should undertake network audit on security concerns over spyware and malware vulnerabilities.

Explaining it further, he noted that equipment and network used for providing telecom services are prone to backdoor and trapdoor vulnerabilities, and mobile operators are responsible for the security of their network.

This development has come in the backdrop of the recent India-China border tensions.

Earlier in December 2019, DoT had directed all telecom operators to undertake security audit of their network by an external agency.

Further the government has clarified that it does not maintain any data on percentage of equipment supplied by Chinese manufacturers and telcos procure and deploy equipment from vendors based on their techno-commercial interests, provided all security provisions are met.