The Telecom Security Operations Centre (TSOC), established under the Department of Telecommunications, has been actively working to identify and address vulnerabilities in the Indian telecommunications network. According to Union minister of state for communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, more than 3.15 million vulnerabilities have been identified since January 1, 2023. This information has been shared with relevant stakeholders to take necessary remedial actions.
The primary objective of the TSOC is to safeguard the telecommunication network from potential cyber threats. By detecting and predicting cyberattacks on the national telecommunications infrastructure, the TSOC plays a crucial role in ensuring the security of the network. It identifies machines that are initiating attacks or are under attack, as well as blocked applications and malicious communications provided by certain applications.
In response to a question by YSRCP MP PV Midhun Reddy, Sekhar highlighted the importance of the TSOC in monitoring and analyzing internet traffic of telecom service providers and internet service providers in near real-time. Regular inputs are generated and disseminated to these providers to address vulnerabilities, threats, and cyber intrusions promptly.
The TSOC is also instrumental in securing the 5G network infrastructure, as it plays a crucial role in monitoring and analyzing the traffic generated by Packet and Internet Protocol-based technologies. With the advent of 5G technology, the role of the TSOC becomes even more critical in ensuring the security and integrity of the network.
The Department of Telecommunications has set up the Telecom Computer Security Incident Response Team (Telecom-CSIRT) to respond to security incidents and coordinate with stakeholders to mitigate risks. The TSOC serves as the main source of providing inputs to the Telecom-CSIRT, enabling a coordinated and effective response to cyber threats.
In a report presented to the parliamentary standing committee on communications and information technology, the DoT emphasized the importance of the TSOC in analyzing vulnerabilities, threats, and cyber intrusions in real-time. The TSOC’s proactive approach to identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in the telecommunications network is essential in maintaining the security and integrity of the network.
Overall, the Telecom Security Operations Centre plays a crucial role in safeguarding the Indian telecommunications network from cyber threats. By identifying vulnerabilities, predicting cyberattacks, and providing timely alerts to stakeholders, the TSOC ensures the security and resilience of the network in the face of evolving cyber threats.