In conversation with ETCIO, Harmeen Mehta<\/a>, Global CIO, Head- Cloud & Security Business at Airtel, shares how 5G is redefining information security, and how does Airtel match steps with the changing threat landscape.
How are you dealing with network and IT security risks? <\/strong>
Security is deeply ingrained in our DNA and we run a highly automated technology stack which process billions of records per day for 400+ million customers, 3500+ databases and 60+ petabyte of storage. We have deployed a range of advanced technologies to improve threat detection and incident management to secure one of the world's largest networks and half a million enterprises. Our state-of-the-art tools leverage concepts of big data analytics and machine learning to accurately detect threats from billions of events per day that we receive at our global perimeter.
Being a network gateway for hundreds of thousands of businesses in India, we are today best placed to secure businesses across the Wire-Line, Wireless and Mobile Networks as an Integrated Service Provider. We have invested towards offering end-to-end secure connectivity solutions spanning telecom, data services, cloud, Data centres, IoT and Cyber security under a single umbrella.
With our wide portfolio of next-gen security services that are simple and affordable, we can truly transform the security posture of any organization.
How do you think 5G is going to change the security landscape? <\/strong>
5G promises mobile data speeds that far outstrip the fastest home broadband network currently available to consumers. With speeds of up to 100 gigabits per second, 5G is set to be as much as 100 times faster than 4G. Low latency is another key differentiator between 4G and 5G.
On the back of this increased bandwidth and reduced latency, many scenarios ranging from smart electric meters to remote healthcare are envisioned which will greatly improve the quality of life for ordinary citizens. For such a hyper connected digital landscape, security will need to be built-in at the design stage as opposed to being bolted on as an afterthought. Companies will therefore need to plan for greater security preparedness.
What is Airtel’s strategy for securing 5G networks?<\/strong>
At Airtel we have developed a roadmap for securing 5G in consultation with industrial bodies and the government. The cornerstone of this strategy is strong in-house technical testing capability across both telecom and IT along with in-house development of products essential to running a 5G network.
This in-house capability across security and product development allows Airtel to ensure that security is a part of every node in the network be it a core component or an edge node.
How has the shift from threat prevention to threat detection changed your role as a solutions provider?<\/strong>
Given our large scale of operations spanning 18 countries globally and running a highly critical infrastructure, our strength lies in threat intelligence.
As companies increasingly adopt digital technologies, network security and cyber threats are becoming more and more complex. We at Airtel work towards solving all customer problems and concerns on risk management<\/a> with a mindset to secure the company IT architecture against threats while also designing it to detect threats.
The four most important pillars that we work with are to protect, detect, respond and recover. Each of these are equally important and require a clear strategy and solution and supporting processes for effective cyber risk management in any enterprise. A robust security preparedness along with connectivity solutions is a top priority for us and we are investing aggressively to develop state-of-the-art technology solutions.
<\/body>","next_sibling":[{"msid":71573452,"title":"Troll thy enemy, say digi-savvy brands","entity_type":"ARTICLE","link":"\/news\/troll-thy-enemy-say-digi-savvy-brands\/71573452","category_name":null,"category_name_seo":"telecomnews"}],"related_content":[],"msid":71573538,"entity_type":"ARTICLE","title":"Security to be built-in not bolted-on: Harmeen Mehta, Global CIO, Airtel","synopsis":"In conversation with ETCIO, Harmeen Mehta, Global CIO, Head- Cloud & Security Business at Airtel, shares how 5G is redefining information security, and how does Airtel match steps with the changing threat landscape. ","titleseo":"telecomnews\/security-to-be-built-in-not-bolted-on-harmeen-mehta-global-cio-airtel","status":"ACTIVE","authors":[{"author_name":"Riya Pahuja","author_link":"\/author\/479253050\/riya-pahuja","author_image":"https:\/\/etimg.etb2bimg.com\/authorthumb\/479253050.cms?width=100&height=100","author_additional":{"thumbsize":false,"msid":479253050,"author_name":"Riya Pahuja","author_seo_name":"riya-pahuja","designation":"Correspondent","agency":false}}],"Alttitle":{"minfo":""},"artag":"ETCIO","artdate":"2019-10-14 08:30:49","lastupd":"2019-10-14 08:30:49","breadcrumbTags":["airtel 5g","Harmeen Mehta","Airtel","risk management","5G infra","Industry","5G Security","Telecommunications network","Cloud computing","5g india"],"secinfo":{"seolocation":"telecomnews\/security-to-be-built-in-not-bolted-on-harmeen-mehta-global-cio-airtel"}}" data-news_link="//www.iser-br.com/news/security-to-be-built-in-not-bolted-on-harmeen-mehta-global-cio-airtel/71573538">