Date:17/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/08/17/stories/2005081702010400.htm

Back BPO fraud report: Nasscom asks for more details

Our Bureau

New Delhi , Aug. 16

The National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) said on Tuesday that the Indian IT and BPO industries match worldwide standards in security and as strong upholders of data security, the sectors would work with the legal authorities in Australia and India to ensure that those responsible for any criminal breach, as reported in the Australian media, face maximum penalty.

Reacting to reports in the Australian media alleging illegal sale of customer data by an Indian BPO in Gurgaon, Nasscom said that it is seeking further details on the matter.

"Nasscom is concerned that such reports emanate from `entrapment operations' and no person has reported any harm yet; in the absence of a formal complaint, even the enforcement officials cannot launch formal investigations and apprehend the criminals.

"Nasscom urges media organisations concerned to provide details resulting from their `entrapment operations' and knowledge of alleged criminal activities to the appropriate enforcement officials. Nasscom is also engaged with enforcement authorities in India to evaluate the options open to them," said a statement issued by the apex industry body for IT and IT-enabled services.

Nasscom said that the problem is not unique to any single nation.

"It is one that affects us all — and each of us has a responsibility to take on the criminals. This problem, unfortunately, is unlikely to diminish — as the world becomes increasingly interconnected and warped, criminal minds are likely to outpace technological solutions. "We believe that any case of theft or a breach of a customer's confidentiality must be treated extremely seriously. It does not matter if the crime is `traditional' in its nature or whether it is what is known as a `cyber crime.' "

IT and BPO companies are working with the Government to introduce amendments to the Indian IT Act.

The companies are also training and supporting Indian law enforcement agencies to ensure that they are well equipped to tackle cyber crime.

A register of IT professionals is being established to ensure that only suitable people are employed in the industry.