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.