ISLAMABAD – Pakistan faces severe cyber security threats posing seriesconcerns for National Security, Media Report has revealed.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) hasissued a special advisory, saying that potential and intended threats toCyber Security exist which pose a concern for national security.
The special advisory- information/cyber security stated that “It has cometo our knowledge that potential and intended threats to Cyber Securityexist which pose a concern for national security. There is an urgent needto undertake a holistic review of information systems and sensitizeMinistries/Divisions to safeguard against any leakage of classifiedinformation, Pro Pakistani has reported.
Senior government officials holding sensitive portfolios and dealing withnational security matters are advised to do the following:
– Smart phones should be strictly forbidden in official meetings especially involving discussions on sensitive matters affecting national security. – No classified information be shared on Whatsapp or similar application.
– Passage of sensitive/classified information via insecure email, plain fax or any other insecure means should be discouraged. – Commonly available data storage devices are a source of security vulnerability resulting in loss/ hacking of official data. They may be used under exceptional cases. – Meeting/ conference rooms where sensitive matters are discussed should be TEMPEST proof.
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– Regular electronic sweeping of offices, residences, meeting/conference rooms against possible bugs should be ensured. Special electronic sweeping should be ensured prior to sensitive meetings/discussions. – Screening of gifts/souvenirs presented by visiting dignitaries be done to rule out the presence of any bug. No official gift be placed in sensitive places without due clearance of the screening process.
– Any ICT equipment/solution, especially of foreign origin/OEM for potential use in offices, must be cleared from NITB. – Special care be exercised with respect to communication on smartphones near foreign missions’ compounds (Cellular network be used), use of WiFi hot spots, smart TV devices, FTTH/ smart cable TV, NW printers/ scanners and vehicles equipped with datacomm devices/ onboard smart devices.
– CCTV networks installed at sensitive locations should not be connected either on the internet or on cloud-based service. Their networks must remain standalone and isolated. – Timely sharing of information about security breaches be done with the National Information Technology Board for remedial measures and analysis.
