Source: Fast Company
The Indian government is teaming up with Chinese tech giant Huawei to search imported smartphones and communications devices for signs of malware and spyware. However, some Indians are nervous because of Huawei’s close ties to the People’s Liberation Army and fear that the firm could be complicit in cyberattacks.
Huawei recently opened a research lab at Bangalore’s Indian Institute of Science that will be expanded shortly. But opening a joint Indian-Chinese cybersecurity lab also presents problems for Huawei. The mobile-phone provider, which was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2010, will be operating in an environment where it will be easy for Indians to observe Huawei’s techniques and corporate goings-on.
The lab was reportedly opened by request of Indian intelligence services, who fear that foreign governments and corporations could use mobile-phone technology for espionage purposes. The lab’s tender requires it to test all imported mobile phones and handsets and equipment for built-in spyware and malware. It is not clear if the laboratory will also be involved in the testing of smartphone applications and for-purchase software for conventional mobile phones.
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India Turns To China To Fight Cyberspies
Published: June 28, 2011