US tech support to India in terror fight

The US security agencies will provide technological support, both in terms of hardware and software, to their Indian counterparts to counter the increasing threat of terror outfit Islamic State (ISIS) from the cyber space. The understanding was reached during the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to America during which he was accompanied by national security adviser Ajit Doval who played a key role in finalising an agreement with the US agencies for enhanced co-operation on cyber security.

One of the key components of this new arrangement is to counter the threat of the ISIS which has been very effectively using the cyber space to radicalise the Indian youth and attract them into joining their cadre. Sources said the US agencies will also help train Indian security personnel to neutralise ISIS activities on the Internet that specifically target Indian nationals.

“Since the technological knowledge of the US agencies is far superior than ours their support will be of tremendous help to us. ISIS has been effectively using the cyber world, particularly the social media, for its propaganda activities so better technology can help us counter that. We have already put a system in place but the US support will further enhance out capability,’’ a senior government official said. The PMO has been coordinating with the Intelligence Bureau, National Investigation Agency and the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) to deal with the increasing threat from the ISIS. The terror outfit has in particular been targeting educated youth to join its cadre. The US, it is believed, also expressed concern over the growing influence of the ISIS in the Indian sub-continent and assured full support to India on the issue.

Sources said Indian security agencies will also get technical support from their US counterparts in dealing with the challenges from hackers who try and target Government sites or critical data. Most of these hackers are said to be operating out of China and Pakistan. Though no major incidents of hacking have been reported in the recent past, sources added that Chinese and Pakistani hackers have been making unsuccessful attempts to access Government computers. Organisations like NTRO are mandated to counter the threat of foreign hackers.