US allowing snooping on Indians’ communication, govt concerned

India has raised its concerns with the US over reported authorisation given to American entities to “intrude upon” the privacy of communication networks of the Indian government, its citizens and institutions.

MoS for External Affairs VK Singh in the Rajya Sabha said that it has been observed that cyber attackers use masquerading techniques and hidden servers to launch snooping. He said the government has taken several steps to enhance the security of the communication networks, which include a crisis management plan for countering cyber terrorism for implementation by all ministries, departments, institutions in critical sectors, state governments and their organisations.

“The government has raised its concerns with the US regarding the reported authorisation given to its entities to intrude upon privacy communications of the Indian government, its citizens and Indian entities,” Singh said.

He said the devices on Internet are prone to regular scanning from different parts of the world for several purposes, including to penetrate the cyber networks operating in the government.

He said communication systems are targeted using hidden servers to hide the identity of actual system from which the attacks are being launched.

Indian Computer Emergency Response Team issues alerts and advisories regarding latest cyber threats and counter-measures on a regular basis.