NEW DELHI: Stung by the corporate espionage case, the Centre has decided to carry out a security audit of official computers and subject the officials of ministries and departments to positive vetting, a 360-degree security profiling process which includes assessment of and background checks on the babus and their families.
According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth to discuss measures that should be implemented to plug leaks.
“A meeting was convened on Tuesday with the Home Secretary, Defence Secretary and secretaries from economic and infrastructure ministries to find out solutions. The meeting chaired by the Cabinet Secretary took several decisions which are being circulated to the ministries and intelligence agencies,” a source said.
Recommending sweeping changes in the access control and security mechanisms, the Cabinet Secretary has instructed all ministries to designate a Joint Secretary-level officer to look after the overall security of classified files. The officer will be empowered to carry out surprise checks in the offices and various divisions of the ministry concerned and to make necessary systematic changes.
“Electronic surveillance in government offices will be enhanced to ensure a leak-proof system. A monitoring unit drawn from the security and intelligence agencies will keep a close watch on visitors in sensitive ministries,” the source added.
Besides, all the ministries have been asked to follow the Ministry of Home Affairs’ manual on departmental security.
Files or information will be circulated only on the need-to-know basis.