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The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a new publicly available digital map that displays key indicators of broadband needs across the country. This is the first interactive, public map that allows users to explore different datasets about where people do not have quality Internet access.
The public “Indicators of Broadband Need,” comes from both public and private sources. The interactive digital map helps illustrate which parts of the U.S. report internet speeds that fall below the Federal Communications Commission’s current benchmark for fixed broadband service: 25 Mbps downstream, 3 Mbps upstream.
The map contains data aggregated at the county, census tract and census block level from the Census Bureau, the Federal Communications Commission FCC’s Form 477, on which internet service providers report fixed broadband speeds that meet the FCC’s benchmark, and speed test data. This is the first map that allows users to graphically compare and contrast these different data sources.
Using the Census’ American Community Survey from 2015-2019, the map also puts poverty and lack of broadband access on the same page. The dataset allows users to see where high-poverty communities are located and how that relates to internet usage patterns, as well as to a lack of computers and related equipment.
The map also shows usage patterns in tribal communities, which have historically suffered from a lack of internet access. Users can toggle the separate data sets on and off to compare information and search for specific locations, including Tribal lands and minority-serving institutions, to gain a better understanding of where broadband needs are greatest.
Users can see internet usage patterns in high-poverty areas and tribal communities, as well as their lack of computers and related equipment. Toggling the layers on and off allows users to compare information for specific locations so they can gain a better understanding of where broadband needs are greatest.
The NTIA map is the latest effort to better identify gaps in high-speed internet services. The FCC tasked its Broadband Data Task Force to develop the necessary tools to gather more accurate and granular broadband access data from ISPs, the public, state, local and tribal governments, other federal agencies as well as third parties, such as companies specialising in broadband mapping and data collection. The agency also said it planned to refine the data over time through crowdsourcing, audits and verification and enforcement actions.
To ensure that every household has the internet access necessary for success in the digital age, NTIA needs better ways to accurately measure where high-speed service has reached Americans and where it has not. The latest mapping effort by NTIA is a welcome new tool that provides valuable insight into the state of broadband across the country.
Any effort to close the digital divide starts with solid data, and NTIA continues to help policymakers make more informed decisions on expanding broadband access. Now, the public can benefit from their platform to see which areas of the country still do not have broadband at the speeds needed to participate in the modern economy.
NTIA also offers to state governments and federal partners a geographic information system (GIS) platform called the National Broadband Availability Map (NBAM). The platform provides more complex tools for analysing broadband access, such as the ability to upload GIS files to compare proposed projects. The mapping platform allows the majority of states in the U.S. to better inform broadband projects and funding decisions.
As reported by OpenGov Asia, high-speed internet access has become a necessity for working and learning from home especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many American households lack a decent broadband connection. To tackle this problem, U.S. researchers have developed a new tool to smooth the collection of federal broadband access data that helps pinpoint coverage gaps across the U.S. The research reveals that nearly 21% of students in urban areas are without at-home broadband, while 25% and 37% lack at-home broadband in suburban and rural areas.
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The Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) has reached a significant milestone with its artificial intelligence (AI) platform, VNPT eKYC, logging over 1 billion user authentication requests. This accomplishment solidifies VNPT’s position as a pioneer in electronic identification and verification solutions within Vietnam.
Since its inception, VNPT eKYC has been at the forefront of electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) services for over five years, serving a diverse range of clients including banks, financial institutions, telecommunications companies, and e-commerce entities. With over 100 organisations utilising its services, VNPT eKYC has facilitated electronic identification for more than 40 million individuals across the country.
On average, the VNPT eKYC system processes an impressive 600,000 requests daily, with peak days witnessing over a million requests being handled seamlessly. This demonstrates the platform’s robustness and reliability in managing high volumes of authentication transactions efficiently.
The significance of VNPT eKYC extends beyond its technological capabilities, particularly in the context of evolving regulatory requirements. The State Bank of Vietnam’s decision mandating biometric authentication for transactions exceeding 10 million VND (approximately 416 USD) and other significant transactions from July 1, 2024, underscores the critical role of advanced authentication solutions like VNPT eKYC in ensuring compliance and security in financial transactions.
Moreover, the platform’s success highlights the increasing importance of domestically developed solutions in the banking and financial sector. Domestic solutions such as VNPT eKYC offer several advantages, including rapid implementation, cost-effectiveness, adherence to global technology standards, scalability, and high readiness to meet evolving regulatory requirements.
Central to the effectiveness of VNPT eKYC is its advanced AI models, which enable the verification of facial biometric data with an impressive accuracy rate of up to 99.99%. This high level of accuracy not only enhances the security of authentication processes but also contributes to building trust and confidence among users and regulatory authorities.
As Vietnam’s digital economy continues to grow and evolve, the role of advanced authentication and verification solutions like VNPT eKYC becomes increasingly indispensable. Beyond facilitating seamless and secure electronic transactions, these solutions contribute to enhancing the overall digital infrastructure and ecosystem of the country, paving the way for further innovation and economic growth.
Looking ahead, VNPT remains committed to advancing its AI platform and expanding its capabilities to meet the evolving needs of its clients and the regulatory landscape. With a strong focus on innovation, reliability, and security, VNPT eKYC is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of electronic identification and verification in Vietnam’s dynamic digital economy.
VNPT’s achievement of logging over 1 billion authentication requests with its AI platform, VNPT eKYC, marks a significant milestone in Vietnam’s journey towards digital transformation.
Amid a swiftly changing global landscape, Vietnam emerges as a frontrunner in a digital revolution, strategically positioned to harness technology’s transformative power for economic progress and societal development.
It is embracing its digital transformation journey, highlighting collaborative efforts to drive the nation’s digital transformation. The nation’s digital technology industry aims to propel Vietnam towards high-income status by 2045 through technology mastery, innovation, and indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
Moreover, the nation is working to harmonise its regulations, streamline laws, and promote consistency in its legal framework to foster a more favourable and appealing cyber environment.
As the country continues to embrace technology-driven solutions to address emerging challenges, VNPT eKYC stands as a testament to the potential of domestic innovation in driving progress and excellence in the digital era.
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Mudik is a tradition of returning to one’s hometown that is widely practised by the Indonesian community, especially when Eid al-Fitr celebrations approach. This tradition involves a massive population movement from big cities to their origin areas or hometowns to celebrate the holiday with family and relatives.
The phenomenon of mudik also shows the importance of family values and togetherness in Indonesian culture. It becomes a moment to reconnect social and cultural ties among family members who might have been separated by distance for various reasons, such as work or education.
The Indonesian government often takes special measures to accommodate the travel surge during the mudik period, such as increasing public transportation capacity, providing emergency health services on the mudik routes, and maintaining and repairing road infrastructure.
This year, as a State-Owned Enterprise, the cellular operator Telkomsel provides 4G networks on 14 mudik ships operated by the Indonesian National Shipping Company (Pelni).
Over the years, mudik travellers choosing to travel by sea have faced significant obstacles related to internet access. This condition has left them disconnected from the outside world. At the same time, in the middle of the sea, thus unable to access up-to-date information, communicate with family, or even enjoy entertainment.
“With this latest development, we can provide high-quality services to our customers, ensuring that they remain connected even while in the middle of a sea journey,” said Saki Bramono, Telkomsel’s Vice Director of Corporate Communication and Social Responsibility.
Further, Telkomsel’s 4G service has now successfully reached as many as 1,100 shipping routes served by 14 ships and 83 ports across Indonesia. This innovation results from a strategic collaboration with Telkomsat, a Telkom subsidiary specialising in satellite internet services. Through this collaboration, Telkomsel and Telkomsat present a strong and stable 4G LTE signal on ships, allowing passengers to stay connected to the internet during their mudik journey.
Telkomsat uses the Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Landing Rights to ensure broad and reliable satellite internet coverage. Saki stated that the initiative to provide 4G internet services on ships, chosen by the community for mudik, is the first time Telkomsel has implemented satellite internet technology. This move not only revolutionises the sailing experience for mudik travellers by sea by ensuring smooth and continuous communication access but also marks a new chapter in Telkomsel’s efforts to overcome connectivity challenges in Indonesia, especially in hard-to-reach locations like the middle of the sea.
To improve service quality and customer experience during the crucial mudik Lebaran period, Telkomsel focuses on upgrading and optimising telecommunications networks and proactively expands and strengthens its network infrastructure. As part of these efforts, Telkomsel strategically increased the 4G network capacity at 70 existing Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and took a significant step by building 325 new 4G BTS.
These measures ensure that customers enjoy smooth connectivity and high-quality communication in urban areas and mudik routes that often cross areas with limited telecommunications access.
Telkomsel estimates a 15.22% increase in internet traffic during the Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2024 period compared to regular days. Of the total increase in internet traffic, the cellular operator estimates the highest increase comes from the areas of Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara, popular mudik destinations, at 26.25%.
The second highest increase is estimated from Sumatra, at 16.99%. An increase in internet traffic is also expected in Papua, Maluku, Sulawesi, and Kalimantan by 13.11%. Meanwhile, the increase in internet traffic in the Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi, and West Java areas is estimated to reach 4.28%.
Telkomsel has prepared a customer service team that works tirelessly, ready to serve customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers can easily access this service through various channels, including social media, customer service calls, the MyTelkomsel mobile app, and a virtual assistant named Veronika. Customers can also visit GraPARI outlets spread across various locations for face-to-face services.
These comprehensive measures affirm Telkomsel’s commitment to providing high-quality and reliable telecommunications services, especially during important moments like the mudik Lebaran, where smooth and fast communication is critical.
With the improvement of network infrastructure and strong customer service support, Telkomsel strives to ensure that every customer can connect with family and loved ones without obstacles, making their mudik journey safe and enjoyable.
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Da Nang, a central city in Vietnam, is gearing up to bolster its semiconductor industry with a targeted focus on human resource development. The Vietnam–Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU) recently launched a comprehensive programme aimed at training professionals in integrated circuit (IC) design.
The initiative underscores the city’s commitment to advancing its semiconductor sector. In 2024, Da Nang will concentrate on cultivating a pool of qualified teaching staff through collaborative efforts with the Viet Nam-Korea Information Technology (IT) and Communications University, the Institute of Information Technology under the Viet Nam National University – Ha Noi, and the Da Nang Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Centre for Research and Training (DSAC). Support from Synopsys Vietnam Company will further bolster these endeavours.
The training programme, spanning six months, comprises both theoretical learning and project-based training. It encompasses four modules covering Very-large-scale integration (VLSI) Design, SystemVerilog/Verilog/Very High-Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language, basic digital integrated circuits, and basic analog circuit design.
The inaugural training course for lecturers will host 25 participants selected from prestigious institutions including the Viet Nam-Korea Information Technology (IT) and Communications University, Da Nang University of Science and Technology, University of Technical Education, Duy Tan University, and FPT University. A significant highlight of the programme is the access granted to lecturers to Synopsys’ extensive library and teaching materials, enabling them to develop practical IC design curricula upon completion.
Huynh Cong Phap, Principal of VKU, emphasised the programme’s objective of equipping students with practical IC design skills to facilitate training deployment at universities in Da Nang. Additionally, the university plans to offer short-term training courses in semiconductor circuit design for junior and senior students pursuing majors such as computer engineering, technology, embedded systems and IoT, and technology information.
Speaking at the event, Ho Ky Minh, Standing Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, hailed the programme as a significant stride in the city’s strategy for high-quality human resource development. He commended the collaborative efforts between DSAC, VKU, Synopsys Group, and the Information Technology Institute under the Vietnam National University in swiftly launching the city’s inaugural IC circuit design instructor training course.
In line with the city’s ambitions, Ho Ky Minh, the Standing Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Da Nang, welcomed Susan Burns, the US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, expressing his aspirations for enhanced collaboration with the United States within the semiconductor industry.
Susan Burns lauded the programme as a testament to the robust cooperation between government bodies, private enterprises, and universities in nurturing high-tech talent in Vietnam. This collaboration aims to fortify Vietnam’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain. The United States acknowledges Vietnam’s pivotal role in fostering flexible semiconductor supply chains and extends strong support for the industry’s development in the country.
In tandem with the programme launch, the university unveiled the VKU – SSTH centre, dedicated to semiconductor circuits and smart technology. Equipped with 30 computers and proprietary circuit design software from Synopsys, the centre is poised to serve as a hub for training and research in semiconductor circuits and smart technology.
OpenGov Asia reported that Da Nang inaugurated the Da Nang Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Center for Research and Training (DSAC) in January this year, marking a significant stride in technological advancement. This initiative underscores Da Nang’s dedication to enhancing its capabilities in integrated circuit (IC) design and artificial intelligence (AI).
The decision to establish DSAC was announced on January 26 by Le Trung Chinh, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, highlighting the centre’s role in realising the city’s strategic objectives. DSAC is poised to engage in research, training, and technology transfer in microchips, semiconductors, and AI development, while also fostering international cooperation in these critical domains.
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Vietnam has emerged as a promising market in the global data centre landscape, with significant growth projected in the coming decade. According to the latest report from Viettel IDC, the country’s data centre market is forecast to reach a value of US$1.26 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8%. This projection underscores Vietnam’s increasing importance in the digital economy and its potential to become a key player in the data centre industry.
Despite its promising outlook, Vietnam’s data centre market currently lags behind its regional counterparts in terms of size. Compared to countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, Vietnam’s data centre market is relatively small. However, this is expected to change in the coming years as the country experiences rapid economic growth and invests heavily in digital infrastructure.
One of the key drivers of growth in Vietnam’s data centre market is the increasing demand for digital services and cloud computing. With the rise of e-commerce, digital banking, and other online services, there is a growing need for secure and reliable data storage and processing facilities. Data centres play a crucial role in meeting this demand by providing the infrastructure necessary to support these services.
Another factor contributing to the growth of Vietnam’s data centre market is the government’s support for digital transformation initiatives. In recent years, the Vietnamese government has prioritised the development of the digital economy as part of its broader economic strategy. This has included investments in digital infrastructure, as well as policies aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the tech sector.
Furthermore, Vietnam benefits from a skilled workforce and relatively low construction costs compared to other countries in the region. This makes it an attractive destination for companies looking to establish data centre operations in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the government has implemented supportive regulatory frameworks to encourage investment in the sector, further stimulating growth.
Domestically, the data centre market in Vietnam is dominated by a few major players, including Viettel, VNPT, FPT, and CMC. These companies collectively hold approximately 97% of the market share, indicating a high level of concentration in the industry. However, there are still opportunities for new entrants, particularly in niche segments or specialised services.
Looking ahead, Viettel IDC predicts a significant expansion of Vietnam’s data centre market in the coming years. Plans are underway to build megacentres in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with an estimated total capacity of up to 450 MW. This represents a substantial increase from the current capacity and reflects the growing demand for data centre services in the country.
In addition to data centres, Vietnam’s cloud computing market is also experiencing rapid growth. While the market size is currently smaller than that of neighboring countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, Vietnam has the highest growth rate in the Southeast Asia region and ranks third in Asia overall. The projected growth rate of Vietnam’s cloud market over the next 5-10 years is expected to be around 19-20%, driven by increased adoption of cloud services by businesses and consumers.
Vietnam’s data centre market presents significant opportunities for growth and investment in the coming years. With supportive government policies, a skilled workforce, and increasing demand for digital services, Vietnam is well-positioned to become a major player in the global data centre industry. As the country continues to invest in digital infrastructure and technology, it is poised to emerge as a leading hub for data centre operations in Southeast Asia and beyond.
OpenGov Asia reported that Vietnam is rapidly becoming a key player in the global data center market, driven by factors like increasing digitalisation among SMEs, a tech-savvy young population, the rollout of 5G technology, and a rising demand for independent digital infrastructure and data sovereignty.
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Indonesia has been making strides in the realm of public service technology. Back in 2019, Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced his intentions to digitalise the government by 2025. The country has been focusing on digital transformation to improve public services and make them more accessible to citizens.
The Indonesian government has been enhancing digital-based public services to integrate all government digital platforms through a single sign-in for user convenience. They are also designing the National Digital Service Integration policy, which includes nine priority digital services: education, healthcare, social assistance, and population administration.
The Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB) focuses on the sustainability and replication of public service innovations, particularly leveraging digital technology to enhance these efforts. As part of this initiative, 20 government agencies are participating in a pilot test and calibration of instruments that will later be used to evaluate public service innovation development.
As Assistant Deputy for Coordination and Facilitation of Public Service Best Practice Development Strategy at the Ministry of PANRB, Ajib Rakhmawanto stated during the Pilot Test and Calibration of Instruments for Public Service Innovation Development Evaluation in Jakarta, “The Ministry of PANRB has a programme this year related to the evaluation of public service innovation development. This is a follow-up to the Public Service Innovation Competition (KIPP) we have been organising for the past 10 years, which needs to be evaluated to improve innovation development, especially in terms of KIPP implementation in the future.”
Critical aspects of the public service innovation development evaluation include monitoring the sustainability of Top Innovations, replication efforts, and the assessment of public service innovation development that has been ongoing in various government agencies.
To generate reliable and valid data or information, the Ministry of PANRB, in collaboration with experts from Gadjah Mada University and the University of Indonesia, has formulated evaluation instrument drafts. This pilot test aims to ensure the prepared evaluation instruments can accurately benchmark future public service innovation development evaluations.
Ajib encourages active participation in the pilot test of the prepared instruments, aiming to determine their reliability and validity for potential improvements.
Nailuredha Hermanto, a First Policy Analyst at the Ministry of PANRB, highlighted the goal of the public service innovation development evaluation: to gather information on the achievements of the Public Service Innovation Development Programme (PIPP) over the last decade, from 2014 to 2023. The review will focus on government agencies that have undertaken public service innovation development, along with the 1065 Top KIPP Innovations from 2014-2023 and innovations resulting from the replication of Top KIPP Innovations.
The evaluation utilises three instruments:
- A form for assessing the capacity and outcomes of innovation development by government agencies.
- A form for measuring the sustainability of innovations designated as Top KIPP Innovations.
- A form for evaluating innovations that result from replicating Top KIPP Innovations.
Agencies are encouraged to inventory whether they have replicated any award-winning KIPP innovations, as these can be assessed through the replication form.
The 20 government agencies participating in this pilot test and calibration of evaluation instruments for public service innovation development have previously been involved in KIPP and were selected as Top Innovations. This focus not only emphasises the importance of continuous innovation in public service but also underlines the crucial role of digital technology in facilitating these advancements.
Nailuredha remains optimistic that Indonesia is on course to achieve its goal of unified e-government by 2025 despite acknowledging that considerable work is yet to be completed. Since 2020, the country has made significant progress in enhancing e-government services and infrastructure, now moving into the implementation phase to guarantee uniform government service provision across all levels of government agencies, including both central and local bodies.
“The successful digitalisation of Indonesia’s government services by 2025 hinges on ongoing efforts. The eventual realisation and appearance of an e-Government in Indonesia remain to be seen with time,” Nailuredha concluded.
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In the modern era, with digital technology at the core of virtually all aspects of life, from communication and work to home management and personal activities, the importance of energy resources such as oil and natural gas is immeasurable.
As people navigate this digital era, these critical energy resources’ seamless and secure availability is more significant than ever, highlighting a pivotal concern for ensuring society’s ongoing prosperity and well-being.
The ever-increasing interconnectedness of the global community means that the infrastructure facilitating the extraction, processing, and distribution of these indispensable resources is more reliant on digital networks and systems. This digital reliance introduces a complex web of vulnerabilities, making it imperative to safeguard these infrastructures from potential cyber threats that could disrupt the supply and integrity of oil and natural gas. The possible repercussions of such disruptions extend far beyond immediate economic impacts, threatening the fabric of the daily lives and national security.
In light of this, the United States has embarked on the initiative. The initiative, known as the 2023 Joint Cyber Defence Collaborative (JCDC) Pipelines Cyber Defence Planning Effort, represents an approach to cybersecurity in the energy sector.
It brought together more than 25 organisations from the Oil and Natural Gas (ONG) subsector, focusing mainly on high-throughput midstream natural gas pipeline owner-operators and their industrial control systems (ICS) vendors. This collaboration, in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Energy, was designed to address the multifaceted challenges posed by cyber threats, ranging from ransomware incidents to the persistent threats posed by nation-states. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) 2023 Annual Threat Assessment highlighted the latter’s capabilities to disrupt natural gas pipelines.
The cornerstone of this collaborative effort was the development of the ONG Pipelines Reference Architecture. This comprehensive network architecture diagram, accompanied by guiding principles, was crafted by pipeline owner-operators and ICS vendors. It is intended to serve as a voluntary model, directing investments, planning, and operations to enhance network segmentation and mitigate the risk of intrusion campaigns.
This architecture embodies practical guidance for advancing risk management strategies. It underscores the critical relationship between network segmentation, multi-factor authentication (MFA), the management of external dependencies, and the essential protection of field devices.
The significance of the ONG Pipelines Reference Architecture cannot be overstated. It provides a tangible framework for the ONG sector to elevate its cyber defence capabilities, emphasising the need for an integrated approach to security that spans technological, operational, and strategic dimensions. By encouraging the adoption of best practices such as network segmentation and MFA, the architecture aims to create a more resilient digital infrastructure capable of withstanding the evolving threats of the digital age.
This initiative is a prime example of the vision the Cyberspace Solarium Commission set forth and subsequently codified by Congress. It embodies a proactive, collaborative approach to cyber defence planning, aiming to effect real change in the cybersecurity posture of the nation’s critical infrastructure. By bringing together the key stakeholders in the ONG subsector – midstream pipeline owner-operators, ICS vendors, and government agencies – the JCDC Pipelines Cyber Defence Planning Effort has laid a solid foundation for transformative actions designed to harden the nation’s largest natural gas pipelines against digital compromises.
The importance of this effort extends beyond the immediate benefits of improved cybersecurity for the ONG sector. It represents a forward-thinking approach to protecting the critical infrastructures that fuel the economy and daily lives against an increasingly digital and interconnected world. As cyber threats evolve in sophistication and scale, initiatives like the JCDC Pipelines Cyber Defence Planning Effort will be pivotal in ensuring the resilience and reliability of essential services.
Engagement with the ONG Sector Coordinating Council is encouraged for those seeking further details on the ONG Pipelines Reference Architecture or wishing to contribute to this ongoing effort. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a more secure and resilient digital infrastructure for the energy sector, highlighting the critical role of cross-sector collaboration in navigating the challenges of the digital age.
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Digital transformation has become a global imperative, with countries worldwide implementing various strategies to leverage digital technology for societal, economic, and governance improvements. Each country’s approach is tailored to its technological infrastructure, regulatory environment, economic priorities, and societal needs. This global transformation requires smart strategies, smart implementation, and a collaborative, outcome-oriented mindset.
In Thailand, for example, the government has embarked on a joint effort to advance the digital economy and society through initiatives like accreditation of government agencies’ curricula. Professor Wisit Wisitsaratha, who serves as a Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, has announced plans to publicise the outcomes of this project for 2023. This reflects Thailand’s commitment to equipping its government agencies with the skills to thrive in the digital age.
Mr Phuchapong Nodthaisong, the committee’s secretary-general for Digital for the National Economy and Society, revealed the outcomes of the 2023 curriculum accreditation operations, which aimed to certify 70 courses. The National Curriculum Committee (NCC) reviewed 73 courses from 18 institutions for accreditation, categorising 30 as essential and 43 as moderately important. The 177 courses were considered for certification from 2021 to 2023.
During the meeting, Mr Phuchapong Nodthaisong presented guidelines to promote and support government agencies in organising digital skill development training courses among government officials and personnel. These guidelines are designed to be practical and effective, with input from executives representing government agencies, the private sector, the business sector, and academia.
Professor Wisit Wisitsaratha highlighted that besides certifying more than 70 courses from the previous year, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has been following up on the results of course accreditation, with over 104 courses considered for their quality and standards. These courses cater to six groups of civil servants and government personnel: senior executives, division directors, policy and academic workers, service workers, technology operators, and other practitioners. The curriculum development standards include a mechanism for systematic monitoring and evaluation of performance.
Additionally, measures have been implemented to promote and develop the country’s digital workforce, aiming to raise their digital capability and potential. This includes the general public, students, labour groups, entrepreneurs, the business sector, and civil servants, who all require adequate digital skills to drive government agencies towards the digital government.
Mr Phuchapong Nodthaisong, Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Committee, emphasised that the NBTC has certified digital skills development courses for government agencies. Standards for curriculum development have been set alongside a mechanism for systematically monitoring and evaluating performance.
To support this, the NBTC has taken proactive steps to enhance the quality of these courses. They have established a cooperation network with recognised organisations in related fields. This collaborative effort ensures that the courses are developed and delivered in line with industry best practices and standards.
Additionally, the NBTC works closely with the Office of the Civil Service Commission and associated agencies, enabling them to align their efforts and resources and ensuring that the courses meet the needs and expectations of the civil service sector.
He further stated that the NDC has continuously held focus group meetings in the past to create guidelines for promoting and supporting government agencies in organising training for certified courses. These efforts include measures to promote and develop Thailand’s digital workforce under the project for managing and following up on the curriculum accreditation of government agencies.
These initiatives are integral to Thailand’s comprehensive strategy to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of propelling the nation’s digital transformation and enhancing its competitiveness in the global digital economy. Thailand aims to effectively leverage digital technology to improve its economy and society by equipping civil servants and government personnel with the requisite knowledge and skills.