The Times of India             04.11.2013

Pune Municipal Corporation okays cyber audit for better IT security

PUNE: To make the computer network system of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) more secure, the civic body has approved a proposal for cyber audit, which would find out the security loopholes and help enhance cyber monitoring.

The standing committee on Tuesday gave a go ahead to the cyber audit of its entire network to make its IT systems safe and hack proof.

"It is necessary to have a secured computer network for the civic administration. Citizen can do safer e-transactions once the changes suggested in the audit are implemented," said Vishal Tambe, chairman of the standing committee.

A civic official from the IT department said, "This is the first time such a comprehensive audit will be carried out. The network system, internet network and system applications will be assessed. The aim of the project is to protect and enhance data security. The project also aims to guide the civic administration to make the computer system hack proof."

The official added that the auditors will study 120 locations from where the computer systems operate. The 40 server rooms will also be scanned in the process. "Key establishments, including ward offices, hospitals and important PMC offices will be assessed. International experts accredited to carry out such operations will work on the project," he said.

PMC also plans to have a cyber security audit system to curb misuse and avoid inaccuracies in its online services. The civic administration had tabled a proposal before the standing committee, seeking approval to allocate the work order worth Rs 67.41 lakh to a private IT agency.