2008: Technology
by Martin Debattista, MaltaMedia's Editorial Director
The Maltese Islands continued to invest in technology but there were unexpected events that warned about the dangers and weaknesses of the information society.
SmartCity Malta continued to make headlines with the implementation of the project that will create a township in Ricasoli with thousands of new jobs. Phase one of the project was launched in June and the construction of the first office block, to be ready by 2010, started in earnest.
However there were two incidents that made us realise how vulnerable we can be. There were two major internet blackouts this year, on 6th August and 18th December caused by problems on Go’s submarine data cable linking Malta to Sicily.
Another incident, which caused a political uproar, was the revelation that ‘amateur’ hackers had obtained the passwords of e-mail accounts on MITT’s government network, including passwords of members of parliament, members of the judiciary and high-ranking government officials. Though government insisted there is no evidence data was obtained from these e-mail accounts, calls for official inquiries and for heads to roll were repeatedly made.
Phase One of SmartCity project launched
June 15, 2008
MEPA approves start of SmartCity Malta works
August 2, 2007
Major Internet cable fault repaired
August 6, 2008
Police still making arrests on hacking incident
September 29, 2008
Vodafone Malta launches iPhone 3G
October 31, 2008
Free Wi-Fi at Malta International Airport
November 6, 2008
SmartCity Malta – BV joint venture as SCM01 general contractor
November 19, 2008
MITTS will not renew CEO’s contract
November 19, 2008
Internet users increasing in number
December 4, 2008
Joseph Ebejer is the new Data Protection Commissioner
December 15, 2008
Internet blackout part of international problem
December 19, 2008
by Martin Debattista, MaltaMedia's Editorial Director
The Maltese Islands continued to invest in technology but there were unexpected events that warned about the dangers and weaknesses of the information society.
SmartCity Malta continued to make headlines with the implementation of the project that will create a township in Ricasoli with thousands of new jobs. Phase one of the project was launched in June and the construction of the first office block, to be ready by 2010, started in earnest.
However there were two incidents that made us realise how vulnerable we can be. There were two major internet blackouts this year, on 6th August and 18th December caused by problems on Go’s submarine data cable linking Malta to Sicily.
Another incident, which caused a political uproar, was the revelation that ‘amateur’ hackers had obtained the passwords of e-mail accounts on MITT’s government network, including passwords of members of parliament, members of the judiciary and high-ranking government officials. Though government insisted there is no evidence data was obtained from these e-mail accounts, calls for official inquiries and for heads to roll were repeatedly made.
Phase One of SmartCity project launched
June 15, 2008
MEPA approves start of SmartCity Malta works
August 2, 2007
Major Internet cable fault repaired
August 6, 2008
Police still making arrests on hacking incident
September 29, 2008
Vodafone Malta launches iPhone 3G
October 31, 2008
Free Wi-Fi at Malta International Airport
November 6, 2008
SmartCity Malta – BV joint venture as SCM01 general contractor
November 19, 2008
MITTS will not renew CEO’s contract
November 19, 2008
Internet users increasing in number
December 4, 2008
Joseph Ebejer is the new Data Protection Commissioner
December 15, 2008
Internet blackout part of international problem
December 19, 2008