The Internet may feel like a place where you roam anonymously and privately, but with every foray onto the Internet, your PC actively exchanges information with other computers. So just how private and secure are these communications?
Well, the answer is, “never” — at least according to Steve Crutclky, sales and marketing director of the IT network protection service eTechSecurity.
“Hacking will always be a major problem, and no matter how secure you feel... you're not,” said Crutclky.
“Our mission is to provide practical solutions to government and corporate clients in the field of IT security, key public infrastructure and e-commerce,” he added.
He said his company provided security services because “your computer and your [privacy] can be invaded in various subtle ways when you use the Internet.”
“And depending on the world wide web sites you visit and the tasks you perform, you may encounter and run — sometimes even unknowingly — a virus or other program that can harm your system or release private information to others,” he added.
“And in this case, we can... allow organizations to fully exploit their investment in IT,” he said.
According to Crutclky, his company can develop the right security solutions for business operations by securing file transfers, electronic commerce and protected Internet communication.
ETechSecurity is currently working on securing customers among the Kingdom's banks.
“Banks can easily be hacked, and the resulting losses are major,” Crutclky said.
“We are going to approach banks here and offer our services, [since] it's always better to be safe than sorry,” he added.
Mousa Najjar, the card product division manager at the local branch of HSBC Bank, said that security was a major issue, especially for banks with online services.
However, he said, “HSBC is connected to an internal system with a maximum security level, and we don't need the Internet.”
“But for banks with extensive use of online services, [such measures] are a must,” he added.
Najjar pointed out that e-banking was an important and expanding sector in Jordan.
“E-banking will become a way of life — that's why security is vital,” he said.
The IT business is another field where security looms large, according to Peter van Veyeren, operations director at eTechSecurity.
“As information becomes ever more critical for most organizations, providing effective security and data integrity have become a key issue,” said van Veyeren.
“And the need for a solid infrastructure is increasing, so protecting your information and your customers' becomes a vital part of doing business,” he added.
The eTechSecurity employee said that his company provided round-the-clock strategic support to clients, as well as an in-house corporate security department.
The company, which has offices in the Gulf area and now in the Kingdom, plans to train Jordanian students and new graduates for job opportunities in the field.
“The latest steps by His Majesty King Abdullah, which dealt with expanding the IT sector in the Kingdom, are wise moves, because the future lies in this field,” Crutclky said.
Recently, the Kingdom's private sector has advanced a national economic strategy called the REACH Initiative, designed to develop a vibrant, export-oriented domestic IT sector.
The initiative, drafted at the King's request, is billed as a blueprint for expanding and improving Jordan's IT industry. — (Jordan Times)
By Roufan Nahhas
© 2000 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
