It has been declared by the PTA that powerful firewalls would be installed on internet service providers. In order to strengthen cyber security and to restrict the dissemination of false propaganda on social media platforms.
In order to facilitate the installation of next-generation firewalls and web application firewalls (WAF). Which are scheduled to be put into place.
Over the course of the next five years, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a request for commercial proposals.
PTA with next-gen Firewalls
In order to guarantee the highest possible levels of security and dependability. The PTA has stipulated that Chinese companies will not be included in the next-generation firewalls, which have been designated as Lot A.
A hardware warranty that offers servicing the following business day (NBD) will be included with these firewalls. This will help to reduce downtime and ensure that any technical difficulties are resolved as quickly as possible.
By identifying and preventing social media IDs from distributing false political propaganda against state institutions. The advanced firewalls contribute to a reduction in the amount of erroneous material that is disseminated.
Sophisticated threat prevention services, URL filtering, application control, sophisticated sandboxing with malware protection and analysis services.
Advanced DNS security services, and six virtual firewall systems with client and clientless VPN services are some of the features that are included in the hardware specifications for Lot A.
Furthermore, in order to offer full protection. These firewalls will be included in complete security bundles that are already in existence.
An additional layer of protection will be provided by web application firewalls (Lot B).
Which will be implemented in addition to the next-generation firewalls. These firewalls will monitor and filter HTTP traffic coming to and going out of web applications.
Web application firewalls with a minimum of eight 1GE RJ45 ports, four 1GE SFP ports.
And two 10GE SFP ports, along with redundant power supply and control ports, are included in the hardware criteria for Lot B.
Uninterrupted & dependable Protection
In order to guarantee uninterrupted and dependable protection. These WAFs will come equipped with sophisticated load-balancing technologies and a sophisticated hardware warranty that is valid for five years.
Next-generation firewalls, also known as NGFWs. It will offer a wide variety of advanced features that are superior to those offered by older firewalls.
Deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and application awareness and control are among applications that fall under this category.
Next-generation firewalls will have the ability to recognise and restrict content that is hostile to a state in real time.
Offer extensive insight into network traffic, and enforce security regulations based on the identities of users and the sorts of devices they use.
Landscape of Cybersecurity Requirements
Furthermore, next-generation firewalls will interact with threat intelligence services in order to provide proactive defence against emerging threats and to adapt to the changing landscape of cybersecurity requirements.
Web application firewalls, often known as WAFs, provide an additional layer of protection by monitoring and filtering traffic that is directed towards and away from web applications.
Web application firewalls (WAFs) are designed to identify and prevent cyber threats such as cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, and other vulnerabilities that hackers typically exploit.
In addition to this, they will be able to give comprehensive analytics and reporting capabilities, which will make it possible to recognise attack patterns and establish proactive defence tactics.
WAFs are able to protect sensitive data, guarantee compliance with security requirements. And improve the overall security posture of online applications thanks to the advanced features that they include.
Through the Electronic Procurement and Delivery System (EPADS) of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has issued a request for responses.
When it comes to the submission of bids, the PTA has stated that the deadline is the 26th of July. Additionally, the PTA has been successful in securing agreements with internet service providers to install firewalls.
With the cost of the installation being split between the corporations and the municipality. A spokeswoman for the PTA did not react to questions regarding the bid when they were asked about it.
To read our blog on “New PTA official rule targets blasphemous content online,” click here