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The internet in Syria: down, but not out
On 7 May 2013, Syria disconnected from the global internet for the third time
since the beginning of the conflict. On 8 May, internet connectivity was
restored. While analysts continue to speculate as to the cause of the
disconnect, uncertainty remains.
The internet blackout did not come as surprise to those actively monitoring
Syria’s digital space. On 26 April 2013, SecDev’s Syrian Operation Group
tracked two Twitter accounts warning of an impending blackout at the beginning
of May.
The Syrian Arab News Agency reports that the internet was cut off due to a
malfunctioning optic cable which was repaired as quickly as possible. According
to a SecDev field source, the internet outage was due to a damaged cable north
of Damascus near the city of Harasta.
However, according to SecDev cyber analysts, a damaged cable alone should not
have caused the Border Gateway Protocols (BGP) routes for netblocks to be
withdrawn. Rather, the fact that these routes disappeared suggests that the
regime ordered the disconnect for reasons that are unknown. Analysts have
previously speculated that internet shutdowns have been used to prevent
communications amongst rebel groups. Alternatively, the shutdown could have
been used to install new monitoring equipment.
Read the Flash Note for more information:
http://gallery.mailchimp.com/eb7c0bde6ff78e88f9b0c8662/files/Syria_flashnote_8May2013.pdf
SecDev Flash Notes are produced by the Syria Operations Group as part of an
ongoing activity to support the safety and security of the Syrian people and to
enhance the free flow of information in Syria. This activity is managed by The
SecDev Foundation, a Canadian not-for-profit organization, with funding from
granting bodies in North America.
To access our work on Syria, please visit the following links:
For a collection of previous Flash Notes and Briefings, please visit our
website's publication page.
Syria Digital Security Monitor - this interactive mapping geographically and
temporally maps digital security and infrastructure reports using various
technical and non-technical means.
Syria Digital Security Project - this provides information and communication
security resources, tools and services to communities and individuals in Syria.
Our Syria Facebook page provides reporting on digital security events in Syria.
About This Project
The Syria Digital Security Project seeks to improve the online safety and
security of the Syrian people, and to enhance the free flow of information in
Syria. To this end, it provides information, analysis, tools and resources
dedicated to enhancing digital safety and openness in Syria. The project is
administered by The SecDev Foundation, a Canadian not-for-profit organization,
with funding from granting bodies in North America.
About The SecDev Foundation
The SecDev Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to broaden
global public awareness and understanding in three core programme areas: cyber
empowerment; the sources of security and resilience; and armed violence
prevention and reduction. The SecDev Foundation supports local partners,
research and advocacy in regions at risk from fragility, violence and
underdevelopmentin Asia, Africa, Eurasia, the Middle East and Latin America.
Copyright © 2013 The SecDev Group, All rights reserved.
We send emails to our clients, partners, and those otherwise interested in our
work.
The SecDev Group
45 O'Connor Street, Suite 1150
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1A4
Canada
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