BENGALURU: With a digital threat looming large, intelligence agencies and armed forces personnel responsible for maintaining security at Aero India 2019 have, for the first time, pinned special focus on cyber security — especially data protection, including that of foreign delegates and various systems to be used at the show. This is apart from having in place a larger security apparatus.Agencies are also mooting enhanced air surveillance for the first time, while traditional security measures, including cameras and access management systems, will all be in place.“Everything is going digital now and the amount of data being exchanged every day is phenomenal. A lot of military equipment and even systems that delegates use need protection. In the backdrop of increasing threat perceptions, it has been decided to have an enhanced cyber protection strategy,” an official from the intelligence fraternity said.The official said the Indian Air Force (IAF), Intelligence Bureau and other agencies have held multiple meetings discussing various threat perceptions and that nothing would be omitted so far as preventing measures go.Authorities are also discussing the possibility of enhanced air surveillance, which includes options other than helicopters. “A decision is yet to be taken on that account,” a source in the know said.Besides, the IAF’s Garud Commando Force, a special forces unit specialising in offensive operations, along with other agencies will spearhead physical security at the Yelahanka Air Force Station, with participation from the city police and other IAF personnel adding to their strength.Hundreds of cameras, including those covering the peripheral walls that run for 1.5km, and access management systems will also be in place. City police have already begun their reconnaissance and security checks around the airbase.“Uncertainty over the venue for the air show had slowed down some preparations, but all standard operating procedures (SoPs) are in place for all possible situations,” another official said.

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