Pakistan, Among Top 5 NSA Targets, Takes Steps to Secure its Cyber Space

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvphP4_MwKDqRmk4zNrfktSMCkGJUUP55gWzi0PzbGyEoDwf70kqlP7IKEjVrjDrMaCJhRgIPLq7jV6lpoad7VQbcsyaxQ7jjWktDHACFeKRRtCo6MbbUfr_DsmrH2xs5e13mcbqVzRI/s1600/Heatmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvphP4_MwKDqRmk4zNrfktSMCkGJUUP55gWzi0PzbGyEoDwf70kqlP7IKEjVrjDrMaCJhRgIPLq7jV6lpoad7VQbcsyaxQ7jjWktDHACFeKRRtCo6MbbUfr_DsmrH2xs5e13mcbqVzRI/s1600/Heatmap.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="wp-caption-text" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue;">NSA’s color-coded global heat maps, — a pictographic portrayal of the extent of its surveillance around the world, ranging from green, depicting the least amount of monitoring, to red, indicating the highest level of surveillance — showed Pakistan (as only contry other than Iran) in shades of red, indicating heighest level of surveillance.</span></div> Pakistan, among the top 5 targets of US National Security Agency, has taken steps to secure its cyber front, said a recently published report by “<a href="http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-6-204384-Pakistan-takes-steps-to-protect-itself-from" target="_blank">The News</a>”.<br /> Considering the revelations made by Edward Snowden, it was established that NSA may penetrate into Pakistani cyber space again to steal sensitive data relating to Pakistan, its domestic politics, strategic and economic interests and its nuclear programs, by tapping into computer networks of Internet service providers such as email, video-sharing, voice-over-IPs, chats and social networking websites.<br /> National Telecom & Information Technology Security Board (NTISB) has resultantly framed guidelines/techniques for protecting government business from possible hacking attempts from domestic and foreign threats.<br /> On recommendation of NTISB, Cabinet Division has communicated the guidelines to all ministries, government divisions and departments.<br /> “Recent wave of stealing the sensitive official data by US NSA has raised serious concerns warranting the implementation of all policies and guidelines in true letter and spirit,” the Cabinet Division noted in a letter to all ministries, departments and divisions.<br /> “USA being the leading country in the field of communication and IT is using multiple tools mainly through electronic surveillance, ground and air intelligence platforms like satellites, recording telephonic calls, gathering public pulse through e-mails filtering, radio monitoring, communication leaks, vulnerabilities in IT based networks carrying sensitive data and other sophisticated means, covertly or overtly,” the Cabinet Division noted.<br /> It merits mentioning here that in one of the maps revealed by Edward Snowden, based on the amount of telephone and email communication data collected by NSA, Iran was shown as the primary target, warranting 14 billion reports, followed by Pakistan (13.5 billion), Jordan (12.7 billion), Egypt (7.6 billion) and India (6.3 billion).<br /> Keeping in view the intents of NSA, NTISB framed following guidelines:<br /> <ul> <li>All government officials and officers must not use private emails (such as Gmail) for exchange of official correspondence</li> <li>Official data should not be stored/ copied on personal computers and laptops and personal USB at any cost</li> <li>Official data should not be stored/ copied on computers with internet connection</li> <li>No official/ classified information should be placed on internet by any means</li> <li>Uploading of sensitive information on social media should be avoided</li> <li>Uploading of videos and photos of official meetings should be avoided</li> <li>Downloading of software from internet should be avoided</li> <li>All government offices are supposed to get internet connections from National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) as per policy</li> <li>Official personal computers (PCs) having sensitive data must not be provided with internet connection</li> <li>Contents placed on official websites must be properly scrutinised and approved for uploading</li> <li>Internet usage in government departments be regulated and access be provided with limited user privileges</li> <li>Internet computers be isolated and the network security must be ensured and internet provision be controlled by the highest administrative authority in the ministry, division or department.</li> </ul> The Security Board noted that presence of sensitive/ official data on the web had made the government official entities hostage and vulnerable to hostile ingress and sudden access by unknown intelligent IT mafias, suspected hackers as well as individual secret agents.<br /> Misuse of this information fairly acquired from such an advanced information resource through multiple hacking techniques may invariably cause serious threats to national security.<br /> Keeping in view the NSA’s level of deep penetration into computer and communication networks, it is assumed that above mentioned guidelines aren’t enough to safeguard our national interests.<br /> Further hardening of our ISPs, cellular networks, telecom companies and other liaison channels is needed to cent percent protect our national secrets.<br /> Not to mention, Android, iOS, Windows, Mac and devices of various other makes and kinds are all under NSA’s control that can communicate user data to agency’s control room without any hassle.<br /> Definitely, there is a lot more required than just these guidelines.</div>

Pakistan, Among Top 5 NSA Targets, Takes Steps to Secure its Cyber Space

NSA’s color-coded global heat maps, — a pictographic portrayal of the extent of its surveillance around the world, ranging from green,...

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Ufone Launches Industry’s First Website Builder

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8CgsYPpLHAYZWwjkFE_qda4zfBl4Q0K9ecW8YuDcbTso8GYteN6FXPEaTB931BiYJd70vV_70Yj6QkeV6jhzOqJPWNJPuL1KOtitsuLqK4uwkUhjNK2FzphopJToCCc9RYyOcMDn22Q/s1600/4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8CgsYPpLHAYZWwjkFE_qda4zfBl4Q0K9ecW8YuDcbTso8GYteN6FXPEaTB931BiYJd70vV_70Yj6QkeV6jhzOqJPWNJPuL1KOtitsuLqK4uwkUhjNK2FzphopJToCCc9RYyOcMDn22Q/s1600/4.png" /></a></div> While staying abreast with the market needs, Ufone has now initiated a website generating amenity called the Ufone Business Website service.<br /> With this – one of its kind service from a telco — individual as well as small and medium businesses will be able to launch their own professional websites by following just 4 easy steps.<br /> With the introduction of this service, the customers will no longer be required to pay hefty fees to create a website and further pay excessive charges for mai<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>ntaining it.<br /> Mr. Akbar Khan, Chief Marketing Officer stated, “Ufone always aims at catering to the needs of their customers and facilitate them in the best way possible. We understand that it is often quite discouraging for individuals and small businesses to pay fortunes for website creation and maintenance. Keeping this in view, we have now introduced Ufone Business Website service so that our customers can afford to have an online presence.”<br /> Ufone offers a unique website builder platform on which the users have the flexibility to select their own website design from more than 400 templates. Customers will also have the option to change this design at anytime they wish. And these changes can be made without any additional charges.<br /> Ufone is also offering Domain name registration for your websites for just Rs. 800 per year.<br /> To avail the service customers can simply send an SMS to 5533, after which they will be prompted to create a login with their mobile number and password. The customer can then enter the business details and then click on the launch website button.<br /> For further details, procedures and pricing click this link: <a href="http://www.ufone.com/mobpro_BusinessWebsite.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.ufone.com/mobpro_BusinessWebsite.aspx</a></div>

Ufone Launches Industry’s First Website Builder

While staying abreast with the market needs, Ufone has now initiated a website generating amenity called the Ufone Business Website serv...

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IT Companies to Represent Pakistan at GITEX 2013

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDAhBKgpKSEn-ThqS6XH-bCRbYkDmnWIra6Smp4_V2ihGlRDU3Rudx7UJVwttXV8MBosPqjK-7eMMyZa9V2vTXcPWEVTQOoGwcP2K7dW914A32vZTDe1LWPcAuMcgomo-UxMDJc-7aJg/s1600/gitex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDAhBKgpKSEn-ThqS6XH-bCRbYkDmnWIra6Smp4_V2ihGlRDU3Rudx7UJVwttXV8MBosPqjK-7eMMyZa9V2vTXcPWEVTQOoGwcP2K7dW914A32vZTDe1LWPcAuMcgomo-UxMDJc-7aJg/s1600/gitex.jpg" /></a></div> 14 IT companies are planning to participate at Middle East Africa and South Asia’s (MEASA) top ICT event GITEX Technology Week 2013, which is taking place from October 20-24, 2013 at Dubai World Trade Centre.<br /> Pakistan’s premier conference production company Terrabiz is the Country Sales Agent for GITEX 2013.<br /> Pakistani companies participating this year include: A2Z Creatorz; AGCN Pakistan; Central Depository Company; Dockland Technologies Pakistan; EfroTech Services; Generix Solutions; InfoTech.; Intelligenes; ITMinds; Royal Cyber Inc.; Softech Microsystems,121 Viral, Systems Limited and Beaconimpex.<br /> Launched in 1981, GITEX is the<b> </b><b>ICT business gateway</b><b> </b>to the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia Region. Focused on providing exhibitors with <b>high ROI</b> through direct business opportunities with decision makers, GITEX has maintained its position as the industry’s trend setting authority.<br /> This year’s event is poised to become the most comprehensive edition yet in the event’s history.<br /> The latest forecast by Gartner suggests that IT spend in the Middle East will hit $192.9bn in 2013, up 5.5% from last year.<br /> The event attracted 139,000 ICT professionals from 144 countries last year while over 350 companies from 54 countries had participated as exhibitors.<br /> Pakistan’s local Information Technology industry has an estimated size of USD 2 billion per annum and is witnessing robust growth.<br /> On this occasion, <b>Hamza Wasi Hashmi – CEO, Terrabiz said</b> “GITEX 2013 provides an excellent platform to Pakistani companies showcase their full potential, offer services to customers from around the world, meet leading global technology companies, build relationships, develop network and subsequently win more business. GITEX 2013 Duabi will help increase the chunk of local market in the global IT industry.</div>

IT Companies to Represent Pakistan at GITEX 2013

14 IT companies are planning to participate at Middle East Africa and South Asia’s (MEASA) top ICT event GITEX Technology Week 2013, whi...

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Dell Leaves Microsoft as the Only Company to Offer Windows RT Tabs

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwdhtbOTZeHlt-jgO4wDm_ZGVGjHaeWAZiW_5OfscqghFf84X9QUvvyp3Nwa1ZOFRtuAHNaAR_yue9r0UM88yuCLVRaKXSlM21zKHWiRf0YJdP-zd4T8K3aGIPAYKnfSLCyAXxT6dNEA/s1600/Dell_XPS10_Teaser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwdhtbOTZeHlt-jgO4wDm_ZGVGjHaeWAZiW_5OfscqghFf84X9QUvvyp3Nwa1ZOFRtuAHNaAR_yue9r0UM88yuCLVRaKXSlM21zKHWiRf0YJdP-zd4T8K3aGIPAYKnfSLCyAXxT6dNEA/s1600/Dell_XPS10_Teaser.jpg" /></a></div> Dell has become another Microsoft OEM to drop the Windows RT platform as it pulls its XPS 10 tablet from the shelves. <br /> This leaves Microsoft as the only company which is still making tablets running on Windows RT now.<br /> Dell’s official website now lists XPS 10 Tablet, which is a 10 inch tablet running on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 processor, as “unavailable”. It instead recommends users to buy the Latitude 10, another 10-inch tablet but running on Windows 8, thanks to an Intel Atom processor. <br /> The news comes merely days after Microsoft announced the second-generation Surface tablets running on Windows RT and 8. <br /> Still, while another Windows RT tablet is not off the cards completely, hardly anyone is expecting a product running on a failed operating system from a company which has seen a rebirth recently. <br /> Until now, companies like Samsung, ASUS and Lenovo have already said no to the Windows RT long ago and one can’t expect a tablet from them either, probably they’ll return if the Surface 2 becomes an unexpected success.</div>

Dell Leaves Microsoft as the Only Company to Offer Windows RT Tabs

Dell has become another Microsoft OEM to drop the Windows RT platform as it pulls its XPS 10 tablet from the shelves. This leaves Micros...

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Breaking: Dr. Ismail Shah Appointed as Chairman, PTA

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodZzJLNDFIlpg3BPgK0jWYAaxvHNcD6o4TBn8jr8B96tY2VoR1xZwN1b2FUFLI9LxT0FBdJXDCwy5Day5ut6FGLkeGlp7ODpJcRq-MgaKQw3Za7eGE3zSAreBe93APoFvd5DR0fMdog4/s1600/Pakistan-Telecommunication-Authority-PTA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodZzJLNDFIlpg3BPgK0jWYAaxvHNcD6o4TBn8jr8B96tY2VoR1xZwN1b2FUFLI9LxT0FBdJXDCwy5Day5ut6FGLkeGlp7ODpJcRq-MgaKQw3Za7eGE3zSAreBe93APoFvd5DR0fMdog4/s1600/Pakistan-Telecommunication-Authority-PTA.jpg" /></a></div> Dr. Syed Ismail Shah has been appointed as the Chairman of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, a high-level source has just confirmed us.<br /> Mr. Tariq Sultan will be the member Finance at the PTA, the source added.<br /> As a regulatory requirement, Dr. Syed Ismail Shah was initially appointed as Member Technical, but was soon promoted to the Chairmanship of the authority.<br /> Summary for the above mentioned appointments has been approved by the Cabinet Division, and notification is being prepared as of now and will be issued by day end today.<br /> Third member compliance and Co-ordination was not announced. It is likely that slot for member compliance may never get filled before required legal amendments in the Telecom Act.<br /> It merits mentioning here that Supreme Court had given today’s deadline for the appointment of Chairman and Members of PTA. Tomorrow is the hearing date for the petition urging an urgent auction of 3G licenses.<br /> Supreme Court had directed the government to appoint Chairman and PTA Members with-in 10 days, without which the auction of 3G licenses was impossible.<br /> Dr. Syed Islmail Shah has remained Member Telecom in Ministry of Information Technology during 2012. Dr. Shah bring with the vast experience in the ICT industry and academics at national and international level.<br /> He is a Qualcomm certified trainer on 3G technologies and a Life Member of the Pakistan Engineering Council, Senior Member, IEEE, USA and Member of the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, Japan.<br /> Dr. Ismail Shah started his professional carrier in 1989 by joining the Telecommunication division of Siemens Engineering Company, Islamabad, Pakistan.<br /> He did his PhD in Electrical Engineering from University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA. During and after his PhD he also worked at the University of Pittsburgh.<br /> On his return to Pakistan in 1998 he joined the GIK Institute. In 2000, he joined Enabling Technologies and later, the Center for Advanced Research and Studies in Engineering.<br /> Dr. Shah taught in the Department of Computing and Technology, Iqra University Islamabad Campus in 2004. Syed Ismail Shah, has been associated with the Department of Computing and Technology, Iqra University Islamabad Campus for more than 5 years and is also the Executive Director Central Asian CDMA Forum (CACF).<br /> Mr Tariq Sultan, before becoming the Member Finance, was working as DG Finance at PTA. He has previously worked with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce as Financial Anlyst. He has also worked with NIB Bank in the past.<br /> Mr. Sultan has a Master degree in Accounting and Finance from The University of Manchester and an MBA degree from IBA, Karachi.</div>

Breaking: Dr. Ismail Shah Appointed as Chairman, PTA

Dr. Syed Ismail Shah has been appointed as the Chairman of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, a high-level source has just confirmed ...

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Ericsson Unveils a Small Portable Device That Can Amplify Cellular Signals

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> If you are many of those people – most certainly you are – Who has been thwarted with the lack of mobile network coverage at your home, office or any other place you relish to visit often, then apparently, there is good news for you.<br /> Ericsson, today, has unveiled its new device that is adequate enough to fit in your pocket, whilst providing enough indoor network coverage for the mobile phones same time.<br /> This device is capable of carrying cellular signal to even the most hard-to-penetrate parts of any building. The device has launched after the two years of research and development and incorporates 14 patents.<br /> Ericsson calls it <a href="http://www.ericsson.com/news/1731153" target="_blank">Radio Dot System</a>, or simple, <i>Dot</i>.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4VfJzS0upyI0E4Cf73rPIzIqFQF19B74NbUGDBOEsOfbYZ0mxrk3dnv0c693ZHq5kDdU0o_2lxuciVNrqj8SZaN1BWbFA1qp3eKILX6vWTb-9p6HXTg8NOqwntldM5HTSxB2J3pSpVY/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4VfJzS0upyI0E4Cf73rPIzIqFQF19B74NbUGDBOEsOfbYZ0mxrk3dnv0c693ZHq5kDdU0o_2lxuciVNrqj8SZaN1BWbFA1qp3eKILX6vWTb-9p6HXTg8NOqwntldM5HTSxB2J3pSpVY/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div> A Dot is an integrated radio antenna that weighs about 300 grams and resembles with the smoke detector; Because of its favourable size, scalability, and compelling evolution path, this product caters to different kinds of users in medium to large indoor locations, and aims to address operators’ needs of offering a complete indoor solution.<br /> it can be cleft on any wall or a ceiling, where it will act as an extension of radio signals for the cellular network; the device is not only capable of amplifying voice signal, it is efficient enough to expand the data signals as well.<br /> The product is expected to be commercially available in late 2014.<br /> If you’re curious enough to know more about the Dot, then don’t miss this succinct Radio Dots System’s info graphics, shared by Ericsson itself.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ppbLYfBfRccU-grtpvlvfIkMgCURfv4f7CJXlhH63Jgulpfz57STb4wdJlDZygDMdGjf0Bkiw5pOpdFXg8WEXA-aDxQ3fIhGpLjcRPzQi3G6uFgJxg0rxI9mCqH5u_hfmE1n-Krr3L0/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ppbLYfBfRccU-grtpvlvfIkMgCURfv4f7CJXlhH63Jgulpfz57STb4wdJlDZygDMdGjf0Bkiw5pOpdFXg8WEXA-aDxQ3fIhGpLjcRPzQi3G6uFgJxg0rxI9mCqH5u_hfmE1n-Krr3L0/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> </div>

Ericsson Unveils a Small Portable Device That Can Amplify Cellular Signals

If you are many of those people – most certainly you are – Who has been thwarted with the lack of mobile network coverage at your home, o...

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