Sultanate well-equipped to deal
with viruses plaguing IT scene: Expert
MUSCAT — A variety of viruses and worms continue to plague the Oman IT scene,
and the Sultanate’s IT segment is often prey to individual or joint attacks, a
popular Omani IT expert said in recent remarks to the Times of Oman, adding
however that the Sultanate was quite prepared to handle any of these viruses
and worms.
To a query on how safe Oman was with regards to IT security threats, Tariq bin
Hilal Al Barwani said: “There’s no straightforward answer to this. Because you
don’t see one single threat anymore – you could either be hit by a virus,
worm, or attacked or even hacked all together.”
He also noted that spyware and malware (spy software and malicious software),
which covers a broad range, has been in the spotlight for sometime now.
“For some users, spam is the biggest threat for it clogs down the networks and
becomes a big nuisance.
“Spams renders many victims e-mail facility useless and they will not receive
e-mails for sometime. This can cause a major problem in a world that is so
dependent on e-mail communication. “For others, targeted attacks are the
biggest threat where a keylogger is deployed to get information out of the
company. So it is difficult to say where the threat lies. Having said that,
computer users can fairly avoid much of the attack and stay secure by
following basic security practices such as installing a complete security
software that supports anti-malware, anti-virus, anti-spyware and a firewall
in place.”
Tariq Barwani, who has been constantly contributing his mite to the IT segment
here, also stressed the need to get the right IT (information technology)
skilled people to improve the IT scene here.
“Getting the right (skilled) people on board is one of the prime tasks that
needs to be seriously taken into consideration to improve and change the
landmark and roadmap of IT in Oman”.
“The application of IT has increased from simple to complex tasks. Technology
is changing fast, and new features are introduced on a periodical basis to
foster businesses to reach their goals.
“In fact, it has the world seem smaller.
“Organisations should strive to offer their goods and services globally and
not just locally through this gifted means. “IT is causing major changes in
the way we live and work. Organisations (private and government) must utilise
that to achieve notable milestones.
Tariq has outlined eight key aspects on the IT segment, which he stressed
would make a world of difference to the IT scene here:
- Forming an Information Technology Association to promote the needs of the IT
industry and to find ways to increase both exports and foreign investment.
“This will surely earn a reputation for innovation in technology,” he said.
- Improving access to technology in schools and universities, which Tariq said
would enable the coming generation of Omanis to equip themselves with the
necessary skills needed to be part of the knowledge economy. Connecting locals
from every segment i.e., all public schools and universities so that they can
have access to the Internet and learn more of IT use.
- Granting VOIP (voice over internet protocol) licence to evolve the telecom
industry! “When telecoms are deregulated completely, you will find more mobile
operators, fixed lines, ISPs in all kinds of sizes, flavours and will boom the
industry in no time.
- Proper increase in spending on IT services by “outsourcing in order to drive
quality and general growth in the regional economy”.
- Add value to the Knowledge Oasis Muscat that is a boon to lure investors so
as project Oman as one of the strategic and finest place for IT. “For example,
creating a knowledge portal where the local and international visitor is
convinced to learn more about the business. So, the country, in addition to
setting up close tie-up between the surfer and KOM, can also help tenants
showcase their work and learn from the best.
“Moreover, creating necessary campaigns to promote KOM locally and
internationally. People should know about it, in order to invest on it.”
Tariq stressed on the importance of IT awareness building, by making the
public in Oman realize the potential of IT by introducing the latest, adding
the best and improving the current, this addition to inviting professionals
globally to share their and with Oman experience. They should be genuine
interest in such a practise!
- Setting up knowledge stations in remote areas will greatly improve IT
awareness across the country – that’s by having centres equipped with
computers with internet and with trainers and people to actually help the
community use the facilities whenever they need, whether it’s for training or
whether it’s to use the internet.