Tech
PTA to Control False Propaganda, Enhance Cyber Security
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has invited bids for the installation of next-generation firewalls and web application firewalls (WAF) on internet service providers, aimed at controlling the spread of false propaganda on social media and enhancing cyber security.
The project, set to be implemented over the next five years, will see the installation of advanced firewalls from China, ensuring high security and reliability standards.
The next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) will provide sophisticated capabilities, including deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and application awareness and control.
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These firewalls will identify and block anti-state content in real-time, provide comprehensive visibility into network traffic, and enforce security policies based on user identities and device types.
Additionally, web application firewalls (WAFs) will be deployed to monitor and filter HTTP traffic to and from web applications, detecting and blocking cyber threats such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).
The WAFs will also provide detailed analytics and reporting capabilities, enabling the identification of attack patterns and the development of proactive defense strategies.
The PTA has specified the hardware specifications for both Lot A (next-generation firewalls) and Lot B (web application firewalls), including advanced threat prevention services, URL filtering, application control, and advanced sandboxing with malware protection and analysis services.
The last date for submission of bids is July 26, and the PTA has secured agreements with internet service providers to install the firewalls, with the cost to be shared by the companies and the government.
This move is expected to significantly enhance Pakistan’s cyber security posture and curb the spread of false propaganda on social media.
