The government has labelled Wi-Fi devices as insecure, leading the National Information Technology Board (NITB) to issue a security advisory for all organizations.
This advisory underscores the cybersecurity risks of wireless network usage and guides enhancing security measures.
The government has identified default security settings and limited user awareness as key vulnerabilities that allow malicious entities to access networks and systems, install malware, and steal sensitive data.
To counter these threats, the advisory urges organizations to change default passwords, use strong, unique passwords for router access, ensure password complexity, and implement advanced encryption protocols like WPA3.
Additionally, the advisory recommends routinely updating the SSID (Wi-Fi name), concealing the SSID to prevent public broadcasting, and securing Wi-Fi through robust encryption, aiming to minimize vulnerabilities and protect networks from cyber threats.
Conversely, a report from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) indicates that the increased use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) during internet disruptions significantly slows down internet speeds in Pakistan.
Read: Surge in VPN Use Slows Internet in Pakistan, PTA Reports
VPNs circumvent local content delivery networks (CDNs), which handle 70% of internet traffic, leading to inefficiencies and greater dependence on international servers.
This increase in VPN use has also led to economic setbacks, with data costs via VPN reaching approximately $1 per megabyte.
The PTA advocates a strategic approach to manage VPN use and enhance local internet infrastructure to mitigate these effects.
Additionally, issues with Pakistan’s internet infrastructure contribute to slow speeds and challenges in media downloading, exacerbated by government trials of a “firewall” to monitor and block specific content.
Pakistan’s internet performance is ranked low globally, affecting business, education, healthcare, and governance sectors.
Last year, internet outages and social media shutdowns led to financial losses totalling $1.62 billion in Pakistan.
