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Govt’s new policy to allow people buy mobile phones on instalments

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  • New policy to be launched from January next year. 
  • Govt seeks to expand smartphone accessibility. 
  • Companies to directly offer phones through instalment.

ISLAMABAD: The caretaker government announced the launch of the ‘Contract-based Smartphones Policy’ scheme from January 15 next year that will allow people to buy smartphones in instalments, The News reported Saturday. 

The scheme for smartphone accessibility will be expanded subsequently for the benefit of other users, facilitating people travelling to other countries to get the latest model phones in easy instalments.

Federal Caretaker Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Dr Umar Saif unveiled the new policy on Friday where he said the ministry, in coordination with the stakeholders of telecom companies, was going to launch the policy from the next month that had been approved after thorough discussions with the stakeholders.

“Our aim is to incentivise responsible financial behaviour and ensure that smartphone accessibility continues to expand. We need a robust mechanism to protect investors from defaults through measures such as blocking mobile phones and, potentially, national identity cards of defaulters,” the minister said.

Dr Saif said that under this policy, telecom companies would have an opportunity to directly offer smartphones to customers through instalment plans, thereby expanding the benefits of mobile broadband, especially among low-income segments in Pakistan.

To a query, he said that his Information Ministry was also introducing ‘Standardised Quality Measurement Tests’ from January 7 to 10, 2024, across the country’s universities to ensure job opportunities for fresh graduates. 

The ministry has made significant decisions to revamp Information Technology education in universities in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), National Computing Accreditation Council, Examination Testing Council, Pakistan Software Export Board and Pakistan Software Houses Association, he added.

The information minister said that with an aim to provide job opportunities through another countrywide programme, around 20,000 to 25,000 students will be offered job opportunities through the Industry Placement Programme after they have passed the test. “We will allocate funds to support special industry courses in universities, designed to prepare students for current industry trends and needs. We also aim to increase our trained manpower in the industrial sector,” he added.

He stressed the need to attach importance to aligning educational institutions which can fulfil industry requirements and facilitate industry-specific training manpower. 

The information minister asked the universities to take rapid action to start new quality courses in entrepreneurship and exports for students. “We have planned to make exponential growth in the IT sector as it is necessary for us to bring productivity revolution in our economy by using information and communications technology,” he maintained. 

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Pakistan declares AI chatbots to be dangers to security.

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The National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) has released a security advisory concerning the increasing utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, emphasizing potential hazards related to the exposing of private data.

The recommendation recognizes that AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, have gained significant popularity for personal and professional duties owing to their capacity to improve productivity and engagement. Nonetheless, the CERT cautions that these AI systems frequently retain sensitive information, so posing a danger of data breaches.

Engagements with AI chatbots may encompass sensitive information, such as corporate strategy, personal dialogues, or confidential correspondence, which could be compromised if inadequately safeguarded. The warning emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive cybersecurity framework to alleviate concerns associated with AI chatbot utilization.

Users are advised against inputting critical information into AI chatbots and are encouraged to deactivate any chat-saving functionalities to mitigate the danger of unwanted data access. The CERT additionally advises performing routine system security checks and employing monitoring tools to identify any anomalous behavior from AI chatbots.

Organizations are urged to adopt rigorous security protocols to safeguard against possible data breaches resulting from AI-driven interactions.

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Unlawful VPNs: Terrorists Utilize Unregistered VPNs to Disseminate Propaganda

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Terrorists utilize illicit VPNs to disseminate propaganda and misinformation while concealing their identities.

Several accounts have been uncovered and are under investigation.

The cessation of non-registered VPNs is crucial for the nation’s economy.

The PTA is blocking illegal URLs and websites disseminating objectionable material upon verification.

Forensic investigations of websites have yielded startling results.

Disseminating erroneous information is more facile using unregistered VPNs.

Terrorists were exploiting these unverified VPNs.

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Air University Holds A Revolutionary Event For Students Focusing On Cybersecurity

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Air Marshal (R) Asad Lodhi has praised the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, an initiative by the Air University and Higher Education Commission that aims to train future cyber security experts and pioneers. At the opening ceremony of the two-day Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which took place at Air University in Islamabad, he was the chief guest.
Showdown challenges, the Ideas Cup, and the Pakistan Crypt Challenge are all part of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which lasts for two days.

Air Marshal (R) Abdul Moeed Khan, VC of Air University, made a speech praising the cyber security abilities of Pakistani youth, saying that they are among the best in the world and will help the country face cyber threats. A haven for cyber security excellence, he said, Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge 2024. Additionally, he praised the Air University for its innovative and outstanding work in this area.
At the inaugural ceremony of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, Dr. Zia Ul Qayyum, executive director of the Higher Education Commission, also spoke to the crowd. He discussed how HEC has created a welcoming atmosphere and helped facilitate projects such as the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge.
As part of the inauguration event, an MoU was also signed. Guests and participants were given souvenirs as the opening ceremony came to a close.

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