DoT proposes new measures for Internet Service Providers To Follow

ISPs must adopt new measures to ward off cyber attacks: DoT

Department of Telocom (DoT) advises ISPs (Internet Service Providers) with fixed-line broadband to use new security steps to combat hacking.
DoT has proposed new set of security guidelines for such ISPs to be put in place by May 2014.
Hackers make use of vulnerabilities in ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) modems normally installed at homes, offices to manipulate data and implant malware
DoT has written to ISPs to help their customers “change password, including physical visits.” DoT wants ISPs to change customers default password to a strong password at the time of setting up ADSL modem to deny unauthorized access.
DoT maintains that protocol ports in ADSL modem on WAN side like FTP, TELNET, SSH, HTTP, SNMP, CWWP, UPnP be disabled to ensure hackers don’t use these ports to hack.
Remote upgrading of firmware of ADSL modems by ISPs using devised mechanism is suggested by DoT
Customers are advised to switch off modem when not in use and report any sudden rise in use of data to ISPs
DoTs steps would ensure long term security against hackers. The government and industry need to work together to ensure that.

Exams Perspective: