Tata Elxsi’s Implemented Cybersecurity Measures for Network Transformation

Tata Elxsi is helping customers reimagine their products and services through design thinking and the application of digital technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), Cloud, Mobility, Virtual Reality, and Artificial Intelligence. During an interaction with Vidushi, Ramesh Ramanathan, Principal Architect – Network Solutions & Services, CTO Office, Tata Elxsi discussed how the company has successfully implemented cybersecurity measures for network transformation and how it stays up-to-date and effective for diverse industries.

Could you provide insights into how Tata Elxsi integrates design elements with security measures to ensure “Security by Design” in the context of network transformation?

Tata Elxsi’s network transformation strategy revolves around an intent-based approach, liberating operators from the complexities of implementation and allowing them to focus on desired outcomes. Just as operators can design network rollout and operations as intent, this philosophy extends seamlessly to security. Our platforms possess the ability to analyze data traffic, identify necessary security measures, and propose security designs as intents. Operators can either adopt these suggested intents or craft their own, ensuring the security of their cloud-native workloads aligns precisely with their operational goals. This strategy not only streamlines the security implementation process but also empowers operators with greater control and flexibility in safeguarding their networks. By integrating security into the very fabric of network design, Tata Elxsi enables operators to navigate the evolving digital landscape with confidence, knowing their networks are fortified against emerging threats.

What is the significance of Identity and Access Management in the realm of cybersecurity for network transformation, and what advantages does it bring to the table?

Identity and Access Management (IAM) is one of the most crucial factors that we consider for cybersecurity. Firstly, placing IAM ensures that only authorized users have access to the network resources and data. When we have effective authentication mechanisms in place, it validates the identities of users. Further, authorization controls outline permissible actions or resource access based on their roles and permissions and also prevent entry of unauthorized entry and reduce the risk of data breaches.

The advantage of placing IAM for network transformation is the creation of a centralized access control across the network infrastructure. This could be in cloud environments, on-premises systems, or even third-party applications. IAM and centralized control access simplify administration and ensure consistency.

More importantly, IAM also helps in risk management by offering insights into user access patterns, identifying abnormal behavior, and enforcing security policies instantly. This solution helps mitigate the risks associated with insider threats, compromised accounts, and unauthorized access attempts. It’s considered that organizations that prioritize IAM within their cybersecurity strategy are better equipped to safeguard their network resources, data, and infrastructure against a diverse array of threats.

Can you share examples or case studies where Tata Elxsi successfully implemented cybersecurity measures for network transformation, and what were the outcomes?

In the context of a nationwide rollout for a leading operator’s 5G network deployment across over 20 data centers, ensuring redundancy and minimizing latency were critical imperatives. However, the scale of such deployments posed a significant challenge in maintaining security integrity amidst complexity. Tata Elxsi’s innovative intent design-led platforms provided a solution to this pressing issue. Our platforms introduced a continuous monitoring system that compares desired security intent with actual implementation, automatically reconciling any disparities. This proactive approach expedites deployment by standardizing security protocols and provides real-time threat protection within the cloud environment. By leveraging this capability, Tata Elxsi enabled the Operator to navigate the challenges of large-scale network rollouts with confidence, ensuring seamless implementation of 5G infrastructure and robust security measures against potential threats.

In your experience, what are some common challenges that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) face when implementing cybersecurity measures for network transformation, and how does Tata Elxsi address these challenges?

In the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) face a multitude of challenges. The rapidly evolving threat landscape, characterized by constantly changing attack methodologies, intensifies the struggle to anticipate and mitigate risks effectively. Additionally, the integration of emerging technologies into existing systems presents complexities in maintaining robust cybersecurity measures. Compliance with regulatory frameworks such as NCCS and TSA adds another layer of complexity, demanding meticulous planning and adherence to standards. Tata Elxsi’s platforms introduce a comprehensive approach to address these challenges, emphasizing certification, environment promotion, and governance. By ensuring rigorous software verification and certification processes before promotion to higher environments and production, Tata Elxsi enables OEMs to deploy security-verified products confidently. This approach not only ensures the standalone security verification of OEM products but also facilitates their seamless integration into multi-vendor services, enhancing overall network security before deployment to production environments.

With the rapid advancements in technologies like IoT, Cloud, Mobility, Virtual Reality, and Artificial Intelligence, how does Tata Elxsi stay ahead in ensuring cybersecurity measures are up-to-date and effective for diverse industries?

In the fast-paced and hyper-connected lifestyle today, ensuring cybersecurity measures are in place is the need of the hour. While IoT, connected mobility, cloud, AI, and other technologies are being adopted across verticals, the need for updated cybersecurity systems will remain the foundation for diverse industries. Here are some of the measures to ensure one has an updated and effective cybersecurity in place –

Routine Assessment of Risks: One of the first steps we adopt is performing an in-depth risk evaluation. This can be further customized to address the distinct requirements and obstacles within each sector or industry. When we recognize possible risks and vulnerabilities, we are also able to understand the potential consequences on vital resources.

Data Encryption: Existing technologies like data encryption are one of the key technologies that need to be adopted across verticals and industries. Encryption technologies ensure the safeguarding of sensitive data during transmission and storage. This entails encrypting emails, databases, file systems, and more.

Continuous Monitoring: One also needs to leverage tools and technologies to continuously monitor networks, systems, and applications. When we keep a constant lookout, we’re enabling real-time detection and response to threats.

Training and Awareness Sessions for Employees: Most importantly, it’s vital to offer continual cybersecurity training and awareness initiatives to employees at every organizational level. Educating employees on prevalent cyber threats, phishing schemes, and optimal data protection practices. This also includes an incident response plan as well.

Keeping Track and Adopting Emerging Technologies: Additionally, staying updated on the latest advancements and trends in cybersecurity, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain is a crucial practice to ensure cybersecurity measures are in place. One also needs to evaluate the capability to improve security protocols across a range of industries.

Regarding cybersecurity for network transformation, how does Tata Elxsi approach risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities in the process?

A well-defined and structured methodology is put in place when it comes to risk assessment, which is largely practiced by enterprises worldwide to ensure the safety of networks. This includes a strategic 4-5 steps to ensure the safety of network transformation, as mentioned below –

Identifying Threats and Vulnerabilities: Firstly, identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities could set the track for any impending attacks. This includes a thorough scrutiny of systems, networks, applications, and infrastructure. Identifying and understanding any loopholes in the network system could help define the course of action, in case there’s any cyberattack.

Assessing Likelihood and Impact: When a vulnerability is identified as being exploited, take into account factors such as the existence of known exploits, the efficiency of current security measures, and the motivations and capabilities of potential threat actors. This further helps in risk assessment.

Calculating Risks: Next, it’s important to calculate the risk associated with each identified vulnerability. This is usually multiplied by the likelihood of exploitation by the potential impact. This will help prioritize vulnerabilities based on their risk severity.

Defining Mitigation Strategies: It’s also important to create mitigation plans to tackle recognized vulnerabilities and minimize related risks. This might include applying technical measures like patches, updates, and security configurations, as well as non-technical measures such as policies, procedures, and training.

Monitoring and Reviewing: Lastly, one should consistently observe and assess the systems, processes, and environments within the network for any emerging threats and newly identified vulnerabilities. Staying up to date by incorporating alterations in the threat landscape, technology advancements, and shifts in the business environment is also vital.