NASSCOM in fast lane to frame security plan for IT firms

The National Association of Software and Services Company is set to frame a comprehensive security plan for information technology companies.

The National Association of Software and Services Company NASSCOM is set to frame a comprehensive security plan for information technology IT companies. Scores of meetings have been scheduled to discuss security matters of these companies.

Ganesh Natarajan, chairman, NASSCOM said, 8220;The Internet Governance Forum organised once in two years is being held in Hyderabad. The World Information Technology and Service Alliance meeting is on as well, with 18 overseas participants from different countries. From today, we also have the NASSCOM-Data Security Council of India DSCI summit. Security is being elaborately discussed in all these meetings.8221; He also said that the long-term agenda of setting up a security forum in seven major towns including Pune would also be operational soon.

Natarajan, also the vice-chairman and managing director of Zensar Technologies Limited, said that the physical security in the company has also been increased.

8220;We have a vigil dog with a trained dog handler and a gunman doing random patrolling. The gate security has also increased, with random checks on both incoming and outgoing vehicles being increased. Also, we have always had perimeter lighting and gunmen patrolling at Zensar,8221; he said.

Anand Deshpande, founder and managing director, Persistent Systems, said that security guidelines were being followed consistently and diligently. 8220;Employee entry is allowed only if they carry identity cards and no 8216;tailgating8217; is allowed. We also have a strict policy for late working hours. As far as visitors are concerned, they are asked to write down their cell number and a security personnel escorts them to their destination,8221; he said.

Deshpande also added that the company regularly informs its employees about safety regulations and conducts random security drills.

Cognizant Technology senior vice-president and head of Pune operations Debashish Chatterjee agreed that security and vigilance had been beefed up at all its facilities in Pune.

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8220;We have also advised our employees to exercise utmost care and report unattended objects or vehicles to the concerned team,8221; he said.

Meanwhile, working hours of employees of IT companies in Hinjewadi Infotech Park were suspended on Monday afternoon following a bomb threat received by Pune police, some of which were also IT companies.