news
ITA reveals number
of cyber blackmail
cases in Oman
he Information Technology
Authority (ITA) in Oman has
reported that 607 cases of
cyber blackmail have occurred since
January 2019. The figures reveal
that the age group between 15 to 45
year olds was the most exposed to
cyber blackmail, representing 53% of
registered cases.
T
Men were more likely to be targeted,
representing 70% of cases. In the whole
of 2018, the ITA recorded 1,414 cases
of cyber blackmail and 1,479 cases
during 2017. As a result of the problem,
the ITA has urged different segments
of Omani society to address the issue.
The ITA advises those who have been
blackmailed to inform the relevant
authorities, including the Royal Oman
Police, public prosecution authorities or
Oman Computer Emergency Readiness
Team (OCERT) at ITA.
The motivation for cyber blackmail was
found to be divided into three types: the
desire to obtain material gain, sexual
gratification or revenge. The blackmail
itself was found to originate from both
inside and outside the Sultanate, with
domestic blackmail often committed by
people who are known to the victims.
According to authorities, blackmail
victims should avoid:
• Contact with the blackmailer even
when subjected to severe pressures
• Transfer of funds or disclosure of
bank card numbers
• Arguments with the blackmailer and
not to threaten them with the police
12
ORANGE REINFORCES CYBERSECURITY
OPERATIONS IN EUROPE WITH
SECURELINK ACQUISITION
range has announced
that it has completed the
acquisition of 100% of
SecureLink, a leading independent
cybersecurity player in Europe. consulting, security maintenance and
around-the-clock support from its
‘CyberSOCs’ (Cyber Security Operations
Centeres), as well as advanced incident
detection and response capabilities.
Since signing a binding agreement
with the investment fund Investcorp
in May 2019, Orange has obtained
approval from the relevant
authorities enabling it to complete
the transaction for an enterprise
value of €515 million. Thanks to SecureLink’s strong
presence in Europe, Orange is
significantly strengthening its ability to
support customers across its regional
footprints, while developing a unique
scale in the industry.
O
With more than 660 employees,
SecureLink reported revenues of
€248 million in 2018. The company
serves more than 2,100 customers
from a wide range of industries.
SecureLink offers its customers
specialist services in cybersecurity
SecureLink’s teams based in Sweden,
Belgium, the Netherlands, the
United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark
and Norway, along with their four
CyberSOCs, represent a key asset for
Orange Cyberdefense in its ambition
to become the European leader in this
market, where ensuring a local presence
is now essential for customers.
Issue 16
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