The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has officially invited tenders for the installation of next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) and web application firewalls (WAFs), with a strategic implementation plan set over the next five years.
This significant move underscores PTA’s commitment to enhancing national cybersecurity and protecting critical digital infrastructure.
In its announcement, the telecom authority specified that the NGFWs, designated as Lot A, will be procured from China, ensuring robust security and reliability.
These firewalls will come with a hardware warranty that includes the next business day (NBD) service to minimize downtime and swiftly address any technical issues that may arise. This ensures continuous protection and operational efficiency.
The primary objective of these advanced security measures is to detect and block social media accounts that disseminate false political propaganda against state institutions.
By targeting the spread of misleading information, PTA aims to safeguard public opinion and maintain social stability.
Lot A’s hardware specifications are impressive, featuring advanced threat prevention services, URL filtering, application control, and sandboxing with malware protection and analysis.
Additionally, DNS security services and six virtual firewall systems will be included, providing comprehensive security solutions.
Both client and clientless VPN services will be available to ensure secure remote access.
These firewalls will be equipped with complete security bundles, offering all-inclusive protection against a wide array of cyber threats.
Lot B involves the deployment of web application firewalls (WAFs) to monitor and filter HTTP traffic to and from web applications.
These WAFs will provide advanced protection by detecting and blocking cyber threats such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).
In addition to threat detection and prevention, the WAFs will offer detailed analytics and reporting capabilities.
This will help identify attack patterns, enabling the development of proactive defense strategies.
These features are crucial for safeguarding sensitive data, ensuring compliance with security standards, and enhancing the overall security posture of web applications.
The PTA has announced that the bidding process will be conducted through the EPADS System of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), with the deadline for bid submissions set for July 26.
This transparent and competitive bidding process is expected to attract leading cybersecurity firms from around the world.
Furthermore, PTA has collaborated with internet service providers (ISPs) to facilitate the installation of these firewalls.
The costs will be shared between the companies and the government, demonstrating a joint effort to bolster the nation’s cybersecurity framework.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in Pakistan’s efforts to combat cyber threats and protect its digital landscape.
By investing in cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies, PTA is paving the way for a safer, more secure digital future for all.
