The use of ICT and the Internet in the Diplomatic Service

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The use of ICT and the Internet in the Diplomatic
Service

• Anna Catania

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The MAGNET

• All Government Offices are connected to the local
  network called MAGNET
• Managed by MITA
• MFA together with all missions make part of this
  network
• Centralised
• One-stop-shop concept
• Easier to manage
• More security responsibility

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Once upon a time.

• 1995 first connect using frame relay set up
• Service provider used was MCI Worldcom
• First missions to be connected were Toronto,
  Washington, New York, Brussels, London, Rome,
  Stockholm, Madrid, Paris and Berlin.
• Limited connectivity 64Kbps frame relay
  connection to Milan. 128Kbps from Milan to Malta
• Connect was very slow but very expensive

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Limited Connectivity

• Use of email service
• Mail servers on site
• Too slow to use internet
• Missions are isolated
• Difficult to trouble shoot
• Trouble for MCI Worldcom

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New Infrastructure

• Use of internet to connect missions to the MAGNET
• Switch over to reduced annual costs drastically
• Email accounts transferred to Malta
• Use of internet browsing
• Server to be located in Malta for smaller
  missions
• Missions no longer isolated

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Embassy Network
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Voice over Internet Protocol

• IP phones provided in each mission
• Connection to MFA PABX
• Free phone calls with Head Office and in between
  missions
• PABX to PABX connection for Brussels over 65
  officers
• Maximising use of already existent infrastructure
• Keep people in touch!

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Enterprise Management

• Control over all equipment firewall, switch and
  desktop
• Monitor connection/link to MAGNET
• Monitor servers
• Ability to troubleshoot at desktop level
• Automatic software upgrades

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Missions today
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Vulnerabilities

• Embassies too exposed to internet
• Use of Wi Fi
• USB sticks
• Mobile devices

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www.mfa.gov.mt

• Incorporates Head Office and all missions
• Centrally managed
• One look and feel factor throughout website
• Updated every day
• Next phase to translate website in various
  languages according to host countries
• On-line scholarships application system
• www.scholarships.gov.mt

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Classified Information
Top Secret
Secret
Limite
Confidential
Restricted
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Air Gap Technique

• Message is received through email in encrypted
  format
• Transferred to Air Gap via USB stick
• Message is decrypted

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Thank You for your attention
anna.catania_at_gov.mt

• Please bring an identification
• document with you to MITA