ISLAMABAD: System administrators in information technology-based companies need to guard against hacking which has now become a threat to cyber security.

This was stated by Managing Director, National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC), retired Brig Viqar Rashid Khan while talking to Dawn after the NTC’s excellence award ceremony on Wednesday.

“The Prime Minister’s Youth Programme was one of the recent targets of hackers who tried to imbed viruses into its database from outside Pakistan.

“However, multiple layers of filters and firewalls prevented them from damaging and defacing a government website,” Brig Viqar Rashid Khan said

He said the computer programmers choked the website of PM’s Youth Programme, causing disruption and denying access to internet users from around the world.

“Malicious attempts to access critical government information, whether related to armed forces or the Foreign Office are ongoing exercises. NTC ensures that that the systems it develops for government, autonomous, semi-autonomous organisations is secure and cost effective,” said Viqar Rashid Khan while explaining NTC’s progress in providing state of the art telecom and information and communication technology services in public sector.

Director general (Technical) NTC, Mehraj Gul said the attackers also attempted to deface the website of PM’s Internship Programme.

The award ceremony was held to recognise services and achievements of NTC officials, where Minister of State for IT and Telecom Anusha Rahman was the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, MD, NTC, Viqar Rashid said, “Excellence awards are designed to recognise members of NTC, whose initiatives and efforts contributed towards the achievement of business results and overall success.

These individuals have made the corporation, profitable entity after three years of endeavours.

“NTC has carried out significant technical growth to extend latest telecom/ICT services to its customers. During current financial year, NTC is going to complete 100pc of its ADP projects in time which will be a record in public sector. NTC has extended its services from 54 districts and cities to more than 87 urban areas.

Later, the minister distributed awards among NTC staff and appreciated their performances.

Published in Dawn February 16th, 2017