Here’s a brief background information on the National Security and Digital Technology Conference that is scheduled to take place tomorrow at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi…

In the current day scenario, the internet and mobile communications are increasingly being used by criminals to perpetrate crimes threatening individual citizen and our national security. Very often criminals make use of these technologies in unpredictable ways, very often they are not based within the sovereign territory of our country and sometimes our laws have no teeth to prosecute these criminals. Non State forces causing asymmetric warfare are rampant. The attacks have gone beyond the traditional Land, Sea, Air and even Space, and are now concentrated on the Cyber Space. Pre-empting, tracing, apprehending and prevention of these attacks is of paramount importance.

Technology is moving ahead and the very foundation that offer the criminal the avenue to perpetrate a crime, are the sources that will help in curbing the crime and apprehending the criminal. While safeguarding national security is of utmost importance, we should acknowledge that constant innovation and staying ahead with cutting edge technology are the main stays of the endeavor to control crimes both inland and across borders.

Creating an environment in which national security interest are met and innovation can flourish, requires policy makers, cyber experts, law enforcement agencies and industry to cooperate in a sustainable manner fully understanding and appreciating one another’s perspectives, strengths and weaknesses and complementing one another.

It is with this spirit of co-operation and mutual understanding that this conference is conceived. The four main sessions of the conference will address a) emerging nature of trans-border crimes and the international cooperation required to address them b) Role of Telecom companies in creating safe networks. c) Citizens right to privacy and finally d) the nature of the legal structure in safeguarding national security and promoting innovation.

During the conference, the panels will address threats, both inland and trans border, as well as the challenges law enforcement agencies face in trying to curb these attacks. Beyond specific threats and crimes, panels will examine how the digital environment helps in apprehending crime perpetrators. The Panels will also delve on ways in which law enforcement agencies and Industry can synergize their efforts to address the issue of Crime using InfoTech and at the same time promote innovation.

The conference is expected to be attended by more than 250 delegates comprising Members of the various security agencies, senior law enforcement officers, heads of internet and telecom industry, policy makers and legal experts among others.

Here’s a brief results of the online survey I conducted earlier about National Security..

Q: Are you willing to give up privacy in the interest of National Security?
Yes:40%
No: 40%
Maybe: 20%
An equal distribution of opinion between YES and NO!

Q: How would you rate your alertness level for any potential threats?
Avg Score: 3.8/5, which is good

Q: Who do you think should take up primary responsibility of National Security?
Dedicated National Security Agency:20%
Govt /Policy Makers:10%
Public: 40%
Existing forces/others: 30%

Q: Do you think technology has been adequately leveraged for National Security?
Yes:20%
No:50%
Only partially: 30%
Only 20% felt technology has been leveraged efficiently to combat national security. Rest feel there’s a huge scope where technology can be leveraged…

Q: Which of the following technology element is/are are major concerns for National security
VoIP/internet routed ISD calls: 40%
Unrestricted/monitored internet access:20%
Unsecure Wi-Fis: 30%
Others: 10%

Some of the prominent bloggers who respond ended to the survey were: Mohan BN, Supreetha, Harini, Shekhar, eNidhi , Hashir and Sandesh Karanth.

We thank each one of you for your participation in the survey. It is still open, click here to participate.

Have you ever thought seriously about National Security? Is national security a topic meant for discussion only when there’s a bomb blast/terror attack? Are we prepared for a stringent national security policy above all personal/political/religious sentiments? Are we ready to give up personal preferences, privacy and even life, in the interest of National security?

We’re eager to hear from you about your thoughts on National Security. This way, even if you can not attend the event physically, you can still get involved, make your presence felt. Please spare a few moments to participate in the survey below. Selected thoughts will be published in the blog and will also be shared with the speakers/panelists, where feasible

The next major IAMAI event is all set to take place in New Delhi, on 24th March 2010.

The day long conference on National Security and Digital Technology will held at Jacaranda Hall, India Habitat Center, Lodi Road, New Delhi.

The conference is an invite only event. To request an invite, please click here

The event will focus on following key agendas:
Panel discussion on “Digital technology: Threat & opportunity for National Security”

Internet & Mobile communications are being increasingly used by criminals to perpetrate crimes. The attacks have gone beyond the traditional Land, air, sea and space, and into the cyber space. Prevention is of paramount importance and pre-empting the need of the day. This session will be moderated by Dr. Gulshan Rai, Director, CERT.in

Balancing Security and Rights of the Citizen

How can the rights and privacy of citizens be safeguarded while upholding the Larger issue of National security? Freedom and Security are a balancing act where the Govt needs to work with the citizens to achieve the higher goals of a secure society. How well do the security forces implement existing laws addressing citizens constitutional rights?

Constructing legal framework for Cyber security
The increased quantum and sophistication of threat, both perceived and actual, requires a comprehensive and synergized approach to secure the Nation’s critical infrastructure and sensitive data. Managing legal and Governmental issues in an effort to guarantee a free and secure cyber space. This session will be moderated by R Ramraj of ICANN.

Some of the confirmed speakers for this crucial event are:

Deepak Maheshwari, Director-Corporate Affairs, Microsoft
Shyamal Ghosh, Chairman, DSCI
Manoj Mitta, Senior Editor, Times of India
Rajat Mukarji, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, IDEA Cellular Limited
Vivek Sood, Law of Information Technology (Cyber Law)
R . Ramraj,ICANN

For more details, refer event website, or stay tuned to IAMAI blog for further updates