Working group for network security set up

[InfoSec News <isn () c4i org>]

http://jang.com.pk/thenews/apr2003-daily/09-04-2003/business/b1.htm

By Imran Ayub
April 09, 2003

KARACHI: The ministry of information technology has set up a Working
Group for Network Security composed of ministry officials,
intelligence agencies sleuth and private sector representatives to
outline measures for cyber safety in the country.

"The Working Group would comprise around 25 persons belonging to
ministry of IT, intelligence agencies, representatives from internet
service providers (ISPs) and the country's renowned software houses,"  
said an official at the ministry who wished not to be named.

"The Group's objective is as clear as its name. It's all about
outlining measures and steps, which can ensure cyber safety in the
country", he added.

"You can call it a professionals' forum with objectives to oversee and
drive the development of network security, threat assessment,
defensive and offensive mechanisms, viruses and Trojans."

The official dismissed any similarities between the Working Group and
Cyber Wing, which the ministry set up last month to counter virus
attacks on the government websites.

He said the latter would not be restricted to counter virus attacks
only, but it would also contemplate regulating all the cyber-related
activities in the country including cyber crimes.

The ministry formed Cyber Wing after hackers attacked various
government websites through virus-contaminated emails and succeeded in
suspending operation of Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) website for a few
hours.

The official said though the Working Group was just a few days old, it
had been on the cards for over a year. "It is delayed due to the
ministry's preoccupation with other projects. But it is not new.

"The Group will bring together various public and private sector
entities to create synergies and establish direct contact among the
specialists," the official informed.

Initially, the Group would discuss growing threat of insecure
networks, intrusions, web page defacements and cyber terrorism. It
will then discuss formulation of policies and guidelines and encourage
ideas related to strong authentication mechanism such as smart cards,
PKI, biometrics, Kerberos, tokens, digital certificates.



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