------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has issued a
`red alert' against all network security software developed in the
US. And the Central Vigilance Commissioner, N Vittal, is following up
on the warning - he might make it mandatory for all Indian banks and
financial institutions to buy only software developed in India.
The DRDO's concern about US-developed software stems from one basic
insecurity - the data traffic and network security software that comes
from the US can be easily hacked into and could prove to be a security
hazard. Currently US software vendors can export only those
"encryption software products" that can be `broken' by the US National
Security Agency. This makes the quality of the US software exported to
India doubtful from a security point of view.
[etc]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RJH