Installation of Firewall in Pakistan To Control Social Media

Since the start of 2024, Pakistan has been facing digital threats and cybersecurity issues. Recently Government of Pakistan has installed internet firewalls nationwide to monitor the information source and prevent the spread of criminal or anti-state information. On Friday, the Pakistani government confirmed the installation of internet firewall in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s minister for information technology considered it a cyber security upgrade. Equivalent to the ‘Great Firewall of China’ the firewall installation has many cyber security benefits but also consequences. The state minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said

“It’s a system. It is not a physical wall that we are putting up. It will not curb anything.”

Firewall price in Pakistan has set over $70 million in the latest budget for a project to improve its digital infrastructure. However, critics and digital rights groups are worried about the problems. They are concerned that the nationwide firewall can suppress freedom of speech if someone can monitor all online traffic.

What is a Firewall in Pakistan?

An internet firewall is like a security guard for your computer or network. It controls what information comes in and goes out when you’re connected to the internet. Its job is to block harmful or unwanted content, like hackers trying to get into your system, while allowing safe data to pass through.

Firewalls come in two main types:

1. Software Firewall: This is a program installed on your computer. It monitors and filters internet traffic based on rules set by you or the system.
2. Hardware Firewall: This is a physical device that sits between your internet connection and your computer network, providing protection for multiple devices at once.

Firewalls can filter traffic based on:

• IP Addresses: Blocking or allowing data from specific addresses.
• Port Numbers: Controlling traffic based on the types of services or websites you’re using.
• Protocol: Deciding which types of communication are allowed, like email or file sharing.

How Do Firewall in Pakistan Works?

According to several news reports, the new firewall will use deep packet inspection (DPI) and block content at the IP level. DPI can scan online data for “controversial material” and identify the IP address of the person who sent it. This allows authorities to find the exact location from which a message was created and shared. Developed countries use the technology to target serious crimes. Here is the step by step guide about how firewall works.

• Firewalls follow specific rules to decide what traffic to allow or block.
• It inspects data packets and allows or blocks them based on preset criteria.
• Firewalls control access by monitoring IP addresses and port numbers.
• Entire connections are tracked to ensure safe data exchanges.
• The system checks and blocks unauthorized applications from accessing the internet.
• Firewall then hides internal IP addresses to protect network devices from direct attacks.

What are the Benefits of Firewall Security?

Firewall security has a range of benefits in protecting networks, devices, and data. Here are the key benefits

1. Watches over network traffic: Firewalls keep an eye on data coming in and out of your systems, following rules to keep your systems safe.
2. Blocks virus attacks: It prevents viruses from entering your systems, protecting against damage and downtime.
3. Keeps hackers out: Firewalls stop hackers from accessing your data, emails, and systems, keeping your business safe.
4. Stops spyware: The system block spyware and malware from entering your systems, protecting your data and privacy.
5. Protects privacy: Firewalls help keep your data and customers’ data safe, building trust and protecting sensitive information.

Can VPN Bypass Firewall?

There are many VPN apps available for your phone or tablet (whether it’s Android or iOS) that can help you get around restrictions set by firewalls. VPN Keeps your internet activity private and secure. It protects your data as it travels online. Firewall blocks harmful software and checks incoming connections to ensure they’re safe. We can say, a VPN hides your online identity, while a firewall acts as a guard, controlling what enters and leaves your network.

Impact of Firewall on Freelancers and IT Industry

Firewalls in countries like Pakistan are causing big problems for freelancers and the IT industry. It has caused the internet to slow down. Remote workers have a fear of losing jobs and international clients. Fiverr also banned many accounts of Pakistani freelancers and set their accounts unavailable due to internet issues.  

• Limit access to information and resources, making it hard to learn.
• Slow down internet speeds, making it hard to get work done.
• Makes it hard to reach clients and customers outside of Pakistan.
• Hurt the growth of startups and IT companies.
• All of this makes it harder for freelancers and IT professionals to do their jobs and succeed.

 

In Wrapping UP

The government of Pakistan installed a firewall to improve cyber security nationwide. The setup has security benefits but costs a lot in the career of the IT industry and digital marketing services in Pakistan. IT professionals and startups are facing significant challenges such as slow internet speeds. They face the loss of international clients and restricted access to resources. The economic impact is already evident, with millions lost in productivity. While the firewall provides benefits such as improved data security and protection from cyber threats. As the nation adapts to this new reality, the tension between security and freedom will continue to shape the conversation around Pakistan’s digital future.