India far behind in computer security: Expert

Jalandhar, Aug 21 (UNI) Expressing concern over the security of computers from hacking, author and international computer security consultant Ankit Fadia, a self-proclaimed 'ethical hacker', said that India lagged behind in providing security to computer users.

Speaking at an educational institute here today, Mr Fadia said, ''India is far behind not only in the world but also among Asian countries in providing security to computer and internet users from hacking.'' Mr Fadia, the youngest author in India, who at 15, wrote his first book on ethical hacking, said hackers in Pakistan, hack nearly 40 to 50 internet sites everyday whereas their counterparts in India, hardly hack 15 to 20 sites everyday.

The trend of hacking has shifted from computers to mobile phones, the hackers could ''break into your mobile phone and steal all your sensitive e-mails, intercept data, spread viruses, worms, steal identities. Also your phone could be cloned to make long-distance calls and used to transfer funds out of your bank account,'' he explained.

Mr Fadia, who is working with FBI as consultant and had decoded encrypted messages hidden in photo images, which were believed to have been sent by one of Osama Bin Laden's men, explained about hacking sites, recording conversations, forging e-mail IDs and also how to prevent it.

About the job prospects in IT industry, he said more than one lakh IT professionals would be needed in the coming years as the industry was growing at a fast pace.

UNI