Post malware threat: Stress on indigenous electronics

Defence scientists have begun developing an indigenous router to secure the core of Indian weapons programme from the threat of Chinese malware embedded in imported systems.

“Yes, we are developing our own high-speed router system to protect our network. We need indigenous router and encryption system for protecting our strategic electronics,” Avinash Chander, scientific adviser to Raksha Mantri, said here at the DefExpo.

“We will have to create our own trusted platform, operating system, processor, network and encryption system because we have no control on the equipment purchased from the market. Cyber security features have to be a part of our acquisition plan,” said Chander, who heads the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The stern warning from the DRDO director-general highlights the fear of import of Chinese malware embedded in electronic hardware used in strategic electronics. In the United States, routers made in other countries (read China) are barred in strategic applications.

The defence scientists would test a variation of Nishant in March and April for Central Reserve Police Force in the forests of Chhattishgarh.