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Author Topic: How the Egyptian Government found an off switch to the Internet  (Read 5395 times)

zridling

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How the Egyptian Government found an off switch to the Internet
« on: February 18, 2011, 08:23 AM »
Several articles for weekend reading, each interesting.

egypt-internetGraphicA.jpg

Egypt's Leaders Found ‘Off’ Switch for Internet
http://www.nytimes.c...1&pagewanted=all

How Did Egypt's Government Halt Internet Access?
http://www.pbs.org/n...11/egypt2_02-16.html

The Exploits of Hackers and How They Have Highlighted the Internet's Insecurities
http://www.pbs.org/w...tline/shows/hackers/

___________________________
Governments really don't like people assembling, and they sure don't like them doing it online. Even US President Obama wants an off-switch at hand "in case of cyberattack." http://www.schneier.com/essay-265.html
« Last Edit: February 18, 2011, 08:25 AM by zridling »

40hz

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Re: How the Egyptian Government found an off switch to the Internet
« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2011, 11:32 AM »
+1! :Thmbsup:

T'was a time when this mentality was mostly to be found in movies...

Mr. Dascombe, what we need is a clear message to the people of the country! This message should be read in every newspaper, heard on every radio, seen on every television. This message must resound  throughout the ENTIRE INTERLINK! I want this country to realize that we stand on the edge of oblivion! I want every man, woman, and child to understand how close we are to chaos! I WANT EVERYONE to remember WHY THEY NEED US!~

"Not so funny now is it, funny man?"
 
>:(



« Last Edit: February 18, 2011, 11:36 AM by 40hz »

Sugar

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Re: How the Egyptian Government found an off switch to the Internet
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2011, 02:04 PM »
It broke my heart that they did this and more, it made me realize how vulnerable
all people who are not "free" are. Free being a concept of the heart and mind, but
perhaps not of a governance.

Me, Ambivalent? Well, yes and no.....

Sugar

zridling

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Re: How the Egyptian Government found an off switch to the Internet
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2011, 07:17 PM »
What surprised me is how quickly it went down. Within 5-15 minutes, the country went dark. It didn't take a day or two.

40hz

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Re: How the Egyptian Government found an off switch to the Internet
« Reply #4 on: February 18, 2011, 07:29 PM »
What surprised me is how quickly it went down. Within 5-15 minutes, the country went dark. It didn't take a day or two.
-zridling (February 18, 2011, 07:17 PM)

Which kinda implies it wasn't a spur of the moment decision. Or that somewhere along the line technology wasn't deployed with the specific intent of providing such a capability to the Egyptian government.

I personally think this capability already exists in the USA. Obama's request for legislation is just an attempt to make a fait accompli more palatable.

Mamoun

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Re: How the Egyptian Government found an off switch to the Internet
« Reply #5 on: February 18, 2011, 09:13 PM »
Yes, I was really surprised when Internet access stopped here in Egypt, I couldn't believe it was possible for the government to do such a completely idiotic thing. Apparently they thought that would prevent the protesters from contacting each other so they would quit or something (the protests started from a mere facebook group). This and also the cellular services blockage only made the protesters even more stubborn with their demands.

I really can't describe the week when all these communication services were blocked, but it was terrifying how you can't call anyone using a mobile phone or chat with friends to know whether they were okay or not.

rgdot

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Re: How the Egyptian Government found an off switch to the Internet
« Reply #6 on: February 19, 2011, 12:32 AM »
That figure gives me CCNA nightmares...or is it dreams?  :P

zridling

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Re: How the Egyptian Government found an off switch to the Internet
« Reply #7 on: February 21, 2011, 08:17 AM »
Libya puts its finger in the dam by shutting off the net at night:
http://thenextweb.co...-night-till-sunrise/

40hz

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Re: How the Egyptian Government found an off switch to the Internet
« Reply #8 on: February 21, 2011, 09:23 AM »
Libya puts its finger in the dam by shutting off the net at night:
http://thenextweb.co...-night-till-sunrise/
-zridling (February 21, 2011, 08:17 AM)


Wow! A cyber-curfew.

Must be nice that their Secret Police services will finally be able to start getting some sleep at night.

And just think about all the payroll savings!  :o

Who knows? Maybe they'll be able to get rid of that third shift after all. :P
« Last Edit: February 21, 2011, 11:02 AM by 40hz »
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