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Showing posts with label Middle East North Africa (MENA). Show all posts

Thursday, 9 April 2020

How is COVID-19 affecting tech and privacy issues? A roundup

Surveillance:

India

Will the coronavirus crisis inevitably result in an expansion of the surveillance state in India?

Drone data to play a part in a lockdown exit strategy

Balkans

COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects digital rights in the Balkans

United States

EARN IT bill is the government's not so secret plan to scan every message online

Tested positive coronavirus health workers may share your address to police

ACLU white paper shows the limits of location tracking in an epidemic

Lebanon

What the Lebanese government can do to respect users' privacy while fighting COVID-19

Access:

United States

Can we all agree now that internet access is a necessity?

India

Kashmir's internet shutdown is preventing people from getting coronavirus information

Political Oppression:

Egypt

Now the Sisi regime has arrested Alaa's family for protesting coronavirus conditions in his prison #FreeAlaa

Friday, 6 October 2017

Digital Divide: World Cyber Alerts - October 5, 2017

Policy

their legislation today could be yours tomorrow

Saudi Arabia recently removed its 2013 ban on internet and voice over internet protocols (VoIP). According to the country’s Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC), “This decision comes in line with recent trends in the ICT sector; the reliance on data revenues (Internet delivery) and added services is the global trend that operators in the Kingdom should take.”

Privacy, Surveillance and Censorship

government isn't always on your side

A leading Chinese messaging app, WeChat, has revealed that it will release the private information of users, including contacts and online searches, to Chinese authorities. WeChat currently boasts 662 million users.

Cryptography experts have found a flaw in the United States National Security Agency’s push for Simon and Speck encryption protocols to become global industry standards: although the NSA maintains these are secure protocols, the organization can, in fact, break them.

China has added messaging app WhatsApp to its list of Facebook products banned in the country. The ban is seen as a measure to limit communication leading up to October 18’s Communist Party congress, which will determine future leadership.

Research and Initiatives

making your world a more cybersecure place

The continent of Africa now has its own internet domain: .africa. Users in Africa see the measure as a step towards “cyber independence” and fostering a continent-wide “internet community”.

The 2017 Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa was held in South Africa, marking the first time it was not hosted by Uganda. This year’s event recognized the second annual International Day for Universal Access to Information.

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe recently held its second Internet Governance Multi-Stakeholder Conference. Noted digital security trainer, Natasha Msonza, “There is no digital world and a real world, just as there are no human rights and digital rights. The two are not mutually exclusive.”

Australia plans to build a cybersecurity cooperative research center (CRC) with funding from government, industry, and research partners. The CRC is, in part, a response to the fact that Australia ranks second to last in the world for collaboration.

Cyberattacks

the threats we all face

United Kingdom-based “Big Four” accounting firm Deloitte has suffered a cyberattack. The company reports that it has contacted “each of the very few clients impacted.”

All images credit of BOLDG/Shutterstock.com.

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Thursday, 28 September 2017

VPN use in the Middle East

In a recent survey of internet users in Egypt, KSA, UAE, Lebanon, Qatar, and Tunisia conducted by Mideastmedia.org, 37% said they had concerns about governments checking what they do online, while 42% worried about companies checking what they do online. While these numbers are a sizable portion of the population, they are still too low.

The truth is, companies and governments alike want to know what you are doing online, not to mention thieves who salivate at the thought of getting your personal information, including your bank account. But more than money is at stake. Your life could be at stake. Government spies have used what they have gathered online against their own citizens, arresting them and imprisoning them in some cases.

Even lower than those concerned about privacy is the number of VPN users in these countries. VPN encrypts your information so that governments, companies, and cyberthieves can't see what you're doing online. Using a VPN is vital to protecting yourself and your livelihood.

In KSA in 2015, 52% worried about companies and 43% worried about government, yet only 7% said they used VPN when going online. Likewise, in Lebanon, 35% and 26% respectively are concerned about privacy, while a mere 3% use VPN. We aim to change that. With 1 GB free a month, you have no excuse to go unprotected. Get SumRando VPN today.

You can find the full study at http://www.mideastmedia.org/survey/2016/chapter/online-and-social-media.

Friday, 1 September 2017

Digital Divide: World Cyber Alerts - September 1, 2017

Policy

their legislation today could be yours tomorrow

“Privacy is the constitutional core of human dignity,” says India’s Supreme Court. The country joins the United States, Canada, South Africa, the European Union and the United Kingdom in recognizing this fundamental right.

China has a new internet policy: “For users who have not given identifying information, platforms for and providers of online communities may not allow posting of any kind.” In other words, real names must be used when posting online.

Privacy, Surveillance, and Censorship

government isn't always on your side

Seven members of the United States’ National Infrastructure Advisory Council have resigned. Their letter of resignation accuses President Trump of giving “insufficient attention to the growing threats to the cybersecurity of the critical systems upon which all Americans depend.”

In compliance with United States sanctions against Iran, Apple is “moving aggressively” to remove Iranian apps from its store. Most recently, the ride-hailing app Snapp was eliminated.

Research and Initiatives

making your world a more cybersecure place

One thousand Russians protested censorship last week. The demonstration responds to measures such as a recent Putin-approved ban on VPNs, which will go into effect in November.

Cyberattacks

the threats we all face

A sustained cyber spying campaign has been carried out against India and Pakistan. Several groups working on behalf of an unnamed nation state are thought to be responsible.

introducing

SumRando Stash

SumRando Stash allows you to temporarily store files securely and anonymously for file transfer and file sharing needs. With SumRando Stash, mail providers are prevented from scanning your attachments and gaining insight into your personal activities, and you don't have to worry about fumbling with USB storage devices or multiple devices. Files automatically self-destruct in 1, 7, or 30 days. SumRando Stash is currently available for Android and the web - try it today!

All images credit of BOLDG/Shutterstock.com.

Want more emerging economy cyber alerts? Read on!

Want Emerging Economy Cyber Alerts sent to your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletter ("Security Tips and News" at bottom of page).

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SumRando Cybersecurity is a Mauritius-based VPN, Web Proxy and Secure Messenger provider. Surf secure and stay Rando!

Friday, 18 August 2017

Digital Divide: World Cyber Alerts - August 18, 2017

Policy

their legislation today could be yours tomorrow

The United Kingdom has a new data protection bill: “The new data protection bill will give us one of the most robust, yet dynamic, sets of data laws in the world. It will give people more control over their data, require more consent for its use, and prepare Britain for Brexit” reported digital minister Matt Hancock. The bill, which includes a ban on the reidentification of anonymized individuals, would protect journalists and whistleblowers, but not researchers.

Privacy, Surveillance and Censorship

government isn't always on your side

Chinese social media platforms Weibo, WeChat, and Baidu Tieba are under investigation for potential violations of cybersecurity laws. The Cyberspace Administration alleges that users are “spreading violence, terror, false rumours, pornography and other hazards to national security, public safety, [and] social order.”

Research and Initiatives

making your world a more cybersecure place

The United Arab Emirates plan to protect the government from “advanced persistent threats” with the Federal Network (FEDNet), an advanced cyber security network that will service 35 federal entities. The technology is the UAE’s response to WannaCry and Petya, viruses that hit government bodies earlier this year.

The United States’ Palo Alto Networks has become the first cybersecurity company to engage in a Data Exchange Agreement (DEA) with INTERPOL. Sean Duca of Palo Alto Networks acknowledged, “This collaboration marks a mutual commitment to information sharing, which is necessary for preventing successful cyberattacks. Together with INTERPOL, we can continue to raise awareness and educate business leaders and reduce the collective cybersecurity risk over time.”

United Nations special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression has pushed back against Apple’s decision to comply with China’s request to remove Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) from its app store. Kaye requested “that Apple states a point of view and speaks up in the context of restrictions on fundamental rights.”

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has spoken out against Australia’s proposal to require device and internet companies to provide “appropriate assistance” to government agencies in accessing encrypted communications. Said Elaine Pearson of HRW Australia, “Unfortunately, Prime Minister Turnbull’s proposal could undermine cybersecurity and human rights worldwide.”

Cyberattacks

the threats we all face

The Mamba ransomware is back. In 2016, it took over 2,000 computers belonging to San Francisco’s municipal railway; now, it is after Brazilian and Saudi corporations.

Russian hackers are using the American government-made exploit ETERNALBLUE to spy on hotel guests in the Middle East and Europe. ETERNALBLUE was leaked online in April; the campaign marks its first live use.

IT systems of an Indian infrastructure company were recently compromised by Chinese hackers. The goal of the attack was to “just observe” while gaining access to sensitive information.

An investigative study has revealed that CopyKittens, an Iran-backed cyber-espionage group, is increasingly focused on attacks in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey, Israel, Germany, and the United States. The group targets governments and institutions in support of Tehran, Iran.

introducing

SumRando Stash

SumRando Stash allows you to temporarily store files securely and anonymously for file transfer and file sharing needs. With SumRando Stash, mail providers are prevented from scanning your attachments and gaining insight into your personal activities, and you don't have to worry about fumbling with USB storage devices or multiple devices. Files automatically self-destruct in 1, 7, or 30 days. SumRando Stash is currently available for Android and the web - try it today!

All images credit of BOLDG/Shutterstock.com.

Want more emerging economy cyber alerts? Read on!

Want Emerging Economy Cyber Alerts sent to your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletter ("Security Tips and News" at bottom of page).

Have valuable insight to share from your part of the world? Write for us!

SumRando Cybersecurity is a Mauritius-based VPN, Web Proxy and Secure Messenger provider. Surf secure and stay Rando!

Thursday, 13 July 2017

Digital Divide: World Cyber Alerts - July 13, 2017

Privacy, Surveillance, and Censorship

government isn't always on your side

The United States Executive Office of the President has requested that secure voter registration data be sent to an insecure email address. Let’s Encrypt acknowledged, “Without point to point encryption anyone with access to the internet link between a user and their mail server, or between two mail servers, can see exactly what has been written, who wrote it, and who it is being sent to.”

Research and Initiatives

making your world a more cybersecure place

A celebration of 25 years of diplomatic relations between India and Israel included talks of cybersecurity cooperation. Said Israel’s Netanyahu, “Once it was a disadvantage to say that you are from Israel. Today when you talk about cyber or advanced technology, it is an advantage to say we are an Israeli company.”

Researchers in Switzerland have created Oblivious Ride (“ORide”), a method of encrypting data such as a user’s location and destination from American-based rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft. The technology remains unpatented in an effort to increase availability.

The United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has four new Active Cyber Defence measures, which will strive to make infrastructure, products, and services automatically safer to use while also increasing the cost to criminals when carrying out cyberattacks.

Cyberattacks

the threats we all face

The website of South Africa’s Department of Basic Education experienced a cyberattack at the hands of Team System Dz, a hacking group in support of Isis. In response, the South African government took the website and the photos posted by Dz offline and opened an investigation into how the hacking had occurred.

Malware known as Petya first hit Ukraine, and then Russia, Europe, and the United States, affecting the Kiev international airport, Russian oil company Rosneft, and American pharmaceutical giantMerck. Raj Samani of McAfee reported, “Fundamentally, this was a wiper campaign. It appears to be a campaign meant for destruction or disruption.”

All images credit of BOLDG/Shutterstock.com.

Want more emerging economy cyber alerts? Read on!

Want Emerging Economy Cyber Alerts sent to your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletter ("Security Tips and News" at bottom of page).

Have valuable insight to share from your part of the world? Write for us!

SumRando Cybersecurity is a Mauritius-based VPN, Web Proxy and Secure Messenger provider. Surf secure and stay Rando!

Wednesday, 10 May 2017

Digital Divide: World Cyber Alerts - May 10, 2017

Wait For It - Change Is Coming to SumRando!

Policy

their legislation today could be yours tomorrow

A new Rwandan draft law has established the National Cyber Security Authority (NCSA). The Bill intends to protect private and government information from cyberattacks and cybercrime.

Kenya expects the president will sign a Computer and Cybercrime Bill into law before 2018. The Bill will address illegal online access, online fraud, money laundering, phishing, cyber-stalking and child abuse.

New metadata retention laws in Australia are sending many internet users straight to their nearest VPN. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and telco companies are now required to collect and retain customer metadata, including personal information and mode, location, and length of communication.

A draft Russian bill hopes to block anonymous proxies and VPN services that continue to provide access to forbidden websites. Currently, 100 ban-bypassing resources are blocked in Russia.

Privacy, Surveillance, and Censorship

government isn't always on your side

The United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has revealed that it can share encrypted data regarding terrorists and criminals with India via the internet. “Sometimes, the data comes in months or years, and sometimes, by the time we approach the authorities there, private companies don’t keep backup, or it is not possible to decrypt everything on the internet,” clarified a National Investigation Agency official.

Israel’s NSO Group is thought to be responsible for the Chrysaor malware. The malware is an adaptation of Pegasus and is used to spy on Android phones.

Turkey recently blocked access to Wikipedia, in protest of the online encyclopedia’s inclusion of articles that link Ankara to terrorism. Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales countered the decision: “Access to information is a fundamental human right. Turkish people, I will always stand with you to fight for this right.”

Research and Initiatives

making your world a more cybersecure place

In a European first, the United Kingdom’s Cardiff University has launched the Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Analytics. In conjunction with Airbus, the center will study machine learning, data analytics and artificial intelligence.

All images credit of BOLDG/Shutterstock.com.

Want more emerging economy cyber alerts? Read on!

Want Emerging Economy Cyber Alerts sent to your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletter ("Security Tips and News" at bottom of page).

Have valuable insight to share from your part of the world? Write for us!

SumRando Cybersecurity is a Mauritius-based VPN, Web Proxy and Secure Messenger provider. Surf secure and stay Rando!

Thursday, 20 April 2017

Digital Divide: World Cyber Alerts - April 20, 2017

Change Is Coming to SumRando - Stay Tuned!

Policy

their legislation today could be yours tomorrow

New United States legislation has prompted Americans everywhere to turn to VPNs to protect their ISPs: “We saw a noticeable increase [in downloads] around the time Congress was considering the bill until the time Trump signed it,” reported Caleb Chen of London Trust Media. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are now free to collect and resell personal and browsing data to ad targeters and data brokers alike.

Privacy, Surveillance and Censorship

government isn't always on your side

The United States’ National Security Agency (NSA) has penetrated the SWIFT banking network and monitored various Middle East banks, according to anonymous hacker Shadow Brokers. The released files reveal vulnerabilities in several Microsoft Windows products.

The Iranian government is requiring “Telegram channels with more than 5,000 followers to register with the country’s Culture Ministry.” The block of the encrypted messaging app precedes upcoming national elections; between 16,000 and 20,000 Telegram channels were blocked each week in March.

Ugandan academic and activist Stella Nyanzi has been charged with cyber-harassment. Her crime? Labeling President Yoweri Museveni a “pair of buttocks” on Facebook. According to her lawyer, “Dr. Nyanzi is within her constitutional rights and we are for an all-out legal battle with the state to defend her rights.”

Research and Initiatives

making your world a more cybersecure place

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has asked social media activists to defend the government via cyberspace: “We have long been in defensive mode. Enough. It is now time to attack,” reads a post on najibrazak.com.

Germany’s Cyber-Security Council and Israel’s Checkmarx have opened a joint international chapter. “Cyber threats are not bound to national borders, so that transnational cooperation and networking is inevitable for the exchange of know-how and best practices,” acknowledged Council president Philipp von Saldern.

All images credit of BOLDG/Shutterstock.com.

Want more emerging economy cyber alerts? Read on!

Want Emerging Economy Cyber Alerts sent to your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletter ("Security Tips and News" at bottom of page).

Have valuable insight to share from your part of the world? Write for us!

SumRando Cybersecurity is a Mauritius-based VPN, Web Proxy and Secure Messenger provider. Surf secure and stay Rando!

Wednesday, 22 February 2017

Digital Divide: World Cyber Alerts - February 21, 2017

Policy

their legislation today could be yours tomorrow

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has announced that it will create a commission to establish cybersecurity policies and reviews. Internet products and services that affect national security or the public interest will be subject to a security review.

Research and Initiatives

making your world a more cybersecure place

India's Software Freedom Law Centre now maintains an online Internet Shutdown Tracker. Says the organization, "We aim to stand strong with the message that the information superhighway that is the Internet is essential for the holistic socio-economic and cultural development of the country. #KeepItOn."

IBM’s Digital-Nation Africa is launching in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco and Egypt. The project aims to prepare individuals for careers in cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University and Israel’s Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have formed a joint project known as the Bio-Inspired Agile Cyber Security Assurance Framework (BICSAF). Professor Lam Khin Yong reported the project “will be able to develop innovative methods for combating one of the most complicated problems in cyber security – Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs).”

Finland, a country known for its internet security, will open a cybersecurity hub in Helsinki this year. The center will work to stop cyberwarfare threats and will involve the cooperation of the United States, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Poland and the Baltic States.

Cyberattacks

the threats we all face

Cybercrime cost Kenya Sh17.7 billion, or .28% of its GDP, in 2016, the highest of all African countries. The east African nation is ranked as the 69th most vulnerable country in the Global Threat Index.

Lion Soldiers Team, a Turkish hacking group, has claimed responsibility for an attack that disrupted the website of the Austrian parliament. On Facebook, the group announced, “Our reaction will be harsh in response to this racism of Austria against Muslims!!! (Parliament down.).”

Japan experienced a record-setting 128.1 billion cyberattacks in 2016. The highest number of attacks from any single country came from China.

Looking Back

a new glimpse at past alerts

An unsigned United States cybersecurity executive order has been revised to reflect a more moderate agenda: “Much of this quite literally could have been written by the Obama administration,” reported Paul Rosenzweig, a former member of the Department of Homeland Security. Whether or when President Trump will sign the revamped executive order remains uncertain.

All images credit of BOLDG/Shutterstock.com.

Want more emerging economy cyber alerts? Read on!

Want Emerging Economy Cyber Alerts sent to your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletter ("Security Tips and News" at bottom of page).

Have valuable insight to share from your part of the world? Write for us!

SumRando Cybersecurity is a Mauritius-based VPN, Web Proxy and Secure Messenger provider. Surf secure and stay Rando!