Privacy, Surveillance and Censorship
government isn't always on your side
First Zimbabwe began drafting a repressive Computer Crime and Cyber Crime Bill; now, the Postal Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) has suspended data promotions from mobile phone operators including Econet, NetOne and Telecel. The decision is seen as an attempt to further limit online dissent.
Research and Initiatives
making your world a more cybersecure place
India has appointed its first chief information security officer (CISO) in a step towards better combating cybercrime and regulating cybersecurity. Experts have recommended also creating a National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) as a way to assess and respond to cyberthreats; its development has yet to be seen.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) of South Africa has invested R60 million in national cyber infrastructure, including big data facilities for research and business. The DST stated that it “believes cooperation of South African universities and research councils on such strategic matters is important for the country’s future. The big data revolution involves a transition in which data becomes a new resource for economic development, and success or failure depends on the capacity to manage and manipulate massive volumes of data in order to extract information.” A Kaspersky Lab survey found the Philippines to be ‘averagely at risk’ of cyberthreats. Of note, 49% of Filipinos keep unused apps on their smartphones: “It is a dire error to leave apps with old software stocked on your devices because these applications have outdated programmes which may become a widely open door that cybercriminals can exploit easily,” warned Kaspersky’s Anthony Chua.
Cyberattacks
the threat we all face
Operation Ghoul, which utilizes spear phishing emails to steal intellectual property and business intelligence, has attacked 130 Middle Eastern organizations; 70% of these are located in the United Arab Emirates. Reported Kaspersky Lab’s Mohammad Amin Hasbini, “Unlike state-sponsored actors, which choose targets carefully, this group and similar groups might attack any company. Even though they use rather simple malicious tools, they are very effective in their attacks.”
Looking Back
a new glimpse at old alerts
A letter from 40+ business groups requesting the Chinese government to revise its drafted cyber rules has been answered: the Chinese Foreign Ministry has insisted that any pending legislation would not be used to “carry out differential treatment and will not create obstacles and barriers for international trade and foreign businesses investing in China.” Moreover, data transfers beyond China’s borders will continue to be allowed and will require a security evaluation.
All images credit of BOLDG/Shutterstock.com.
Want more emerging economy cyber alerts? Read on!
- Digital Divide: Emerging Economy Cyber Alerts - August 16, 2016
- Digital Divide: Emerging Economy Cyber Alerts - August 9, 2016
- Digital Divide: Emerging Economy Cyber Alerts - August 4, 2016
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SumRando Cybersecurity is a Mauritius-based VPN, Web Proxy and Secure Messenger provider. Surf secure and stay Rando!
SumRando Cybersecurity is a Mauritius-based VPN, Web Proxy and Secure Messenger provider. Surf secure and stay Rando!
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