The PTA has also made arrangements with internet service providers to install firewalls, with costs shared between the companies and the government.
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has invited tenders for the installation of next-generation firewalls and web application firewalls (WAFs), which will be implemented over the next five years.
As per the details, the telecom authority clarified that the next-generation firewalls, called Lot A, will be sourced from China to ensure higher security and reliability.
These firewalls will come with a hardware warranty that includes Next Business Day (NBD) service to minimize downtime and resolve any technical issues quickly.
The new measures are aimed at detecting and blocking social media IDs that spread false political propaganda against state institutions, with the aim of reducing the spread of misleading information.
Lot A’s hardware features advanced threat protection services, URL filtering, application control, sandboxing with malware protection and analysis, DNS security services, and six virtual VPNs with client and clientless VPN services. Firewall systems are included.
These firewalls will also come with complete security bundles for comprehensive protection.
Lot B will include the deployment of web application firewalls to further protect web applications by monitoring and filtering HTTP traffic to and from them.
Web application firewalls will provide advanced protection by monitoring and filtering traffic to and from web applications, detecting and blocking cyber threats such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). They will also offer detailed analytics and reporting, help identify attack patterns and develop proactive defense strategies.
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These features will protect sensitive data, ensure compliance with security standards, and improve the overall security of web applications.
PTA announced the bidding process through the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA)’s EPADS system, with the last date for submission of bids set as July 26.
The PTA has also made arrangements with internet service providers to install firewalls, with costs shared between the companies and the government.
