DoT issued new guidelines to tackle the threats of Cyber attack
Under the Union Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued guidelines to tackle the threats of cyber attacks and hacking of websites.
As per new guidelines issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), all Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
- Must adopt new security measures for those using fixed-line broadband. The ISPs must advise customers to take necessary precautions to protect modems from malware attacks and hacking attempts.
- Must assist customers to change the default password of Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) modem to a strong password at the time of installation of modem to avoid unauthorized access to modem. (At present, the ADSL modems are supplied by vendors with default set up of user ID and password as admin. The password is normally installed by broadband service providers).
- Should disable protocol ports on the modems which otherwise may be used as hacking points to plant malwares.
- Tell their customers to check their online daily usage, and if any unexpected high usage of data is noticed, they may bring it to the notice of the ISP concerned.
- Must implement all the guidelines by May 2014 to ensure security of almost 1.5 crore fixed-line broadband users.
Consumers should also upgrade to latest firmware or software and ISP’s should disseminate the message to customers at the time of installation and at regular intervals. Alongside, customers should also be advised to switch off their modem when not in use.
Note: An ADSL modem is a version of the regular DSL modem, that gives higher download but lower upload speeds.
Month: Current Affairs - March, 2014
Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs