Have you ever imagined that we could stop talking about IT? Yes, we have. Rather, we are referring to a new word – that is, secure IT, because IT without security is incomplete and IT without security is not reliable. Thus, secure IT is the right word than IT only. Today, security is required for every form of computing and communication, i.e. security in storage, security in computing, security in networking and even security in communications.
But unfortunately for most of the IT workers, security has become a secondary priority – almost like buying a headset or an external flash drive. And, the consequence is that one fine day a fun-loving virus wreaks havoc with your system without your knowledge.
It is like buying a UPS immediately after you have bought a PC or workstation. Similarly, you need to install a licensed security appliance or software once you have bought any PC system.
Apart from the consumers, even the SOHO and SMB segments do not care much about security lapses. They tend to compromise with quality. The biggest example is the desktop space, where the users go for pirated ones than the genuine ones. But time has come that everybody should change his attitude about this.
For all the wrong happenings with security solutions, I will hold low awareness, availability of product and price point responsible. There is a very low level of awareness about security provisioning in India. Secondly, the price point at which the products are available, there has to be proper justification to the prices along with its RoI.
I appreciate one of the top Indian distributors, Select Technologies, which has started programmes called eStorm – an end-user programme – and Rishtey–– a channel programme–– for this purpose. Such kinds of programmes should be more both in number and frequency from other distributors as well. I will say the vendors should join hands to bring awareness in focus rather than only competing with each other. Competition comes after the product sells. If the market is small, then the competition will also be small.
Though in the large enterprises’, Government, BFSI and PSU space, there are serious implementation, but still security audits are to be done on a regular basis and with utmost priority.
This issue of VARIndia will surely provide you our perspective and focus as to how serious we are about the topic of security. So, what about you?
Sanjay Mohapatra
Editor
