In recent years, Information Technology has grown by leaps and bounds. This growth coupled with the criminal bend of some anti-social people has brought unique challenges in the field of security and privacy. Recent instances of lapses in information security along with the dirth of on cyber laws is causing a major threat to privacy. Privacy in every area of personal and public life, in private and public sector, has been invaded. This happens due to poor dissemination of available knowledge and improper co-ordination of efforts in all areas employing IT as an engine of progress.

Keeping this in mind, an outstanding group of security and technology professionals have joined hands with some leading industry bodies to create a non-profit organization called The Foundation of Information Security and Technology – FIST, ( a society being registered with the Charities Commissioner, Mumbai ) that will attempt to serve as a guide to the security as well as private sector.

The VISION OF FIST is to be a nodal, non-government agency for security related issues in general, and information security related issues in particular, in India. FIST will serve as a Center of Excellence that will bring together experts, products and practices to make India a safe place to live and work in.

The MISSION OF FIST is to: • Maintain Constant Vigil in the areas of information and security • Conduct research in these areas to understand the threats first hand and facilitate the creation of responses • Spread Awareness • Create products and policies to help avert and recover from security

FIST is already associated with some statutory and government organizations to make India a technologically safer place. FIST is working with the Mumbai Police in designing a set of Standard Operating Procedures for investigating different technology and new generation crimes.

FIST will be conducting research and spreading awareness on products and policies which would help avert and recover from security breaches. It will maintain constant vigil in the areas of information and security. It has a close alliance with FICCI, IMC, NASSCOM, AIAI, etc. FIST is an umbrella body which can garner technological resources from these and similar bodies.