ISLAMABAD: The proliferation of free and unregistered VPN services has emerged as a significant cybersecurity threat.
These VPNs pose risks such as hacking, data theft, foreign surveillance, and cyberattacks. To safeguard citizens and strengthen national cyber defenses, it is crucial for the Government and PTA to implement a comprehensive ban on all unauthorized VPN providers, permitting only those VPNs that are licensed and undergo thorough security vetting.
Key Points to Consider:
- PTA should mandate the exclusive use of licensed and registered VPN services.
- Many free VPNs are known to log user data secretly and sell it to third parties.
- Unregulated VPNs are often exploited by cybercriminals, scammers, and anti-state factions.
- Insecure VPNs undermine Pakistan’s cybersecurity infrastructure and increase malware risks.
- Authorities must take decisive action to block all IP addresses associated with unregistered VPNs.
- Violations could lead to legal penalties, service suspensions, or investigations.
- Businesses relying on unapproved VPNs face potential legal and operational consequences.
- Reliable, compliant VPNs enhance privacy protection, financial security, and national safety.
Regional Perspective:
Neighboring countries such as India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bangladesh have already implemented restrictions or bans on unauthorized VPN usage to bolster their national security. Pakistan needs to follow suit and adopt a similar approach to maintain digital sovereignty and security.
