Govt advises officials to avoid downloading Pokemon Go
Security advisory says game could lead to automatic recording of activities in surroundings
The game, among other threats, can lead to automatic recording of activities in surroundings, says security advisory. PHOTO: REUTERS
The cyber security department has warned government officials against downloading/installing Pokemon Go, saying the game can "automatically turn the GPS/camera on and possibly records activities of surroundings."
The department issued an advisory identifying a series of technical threats being posed by the augmented reality game. The leaked document also brought forth a “non-technical threat,” saying the "addictive nature" of the game could result in "serious injuries to unwary players."
Dutch take Pokemon Go makers to court as gamers flood beaches
Confirming the release of the document, a senior Cabinet Division official told The Express Tribune, "Such advisories are issued for regulatory security purposes."
Interestingly, the game is not available in Pakistan, but players have been able to download it on their smartphones by switching their settings to that of a different country.
New York Pokémon Go player mugged while livestreaming
Based on the video-game franchise of 1990s, Pokemon Go offers players with a real-world map where they hunt computer-generated creatures. Ever since its debut over the summer, the game has brought about $470 million of revenue and has been installed in phones over 550 million times, said global market intelligence firm Newzoo.
This isn't the first time Pokemon Go has sparked security concerns, with the Israeli military banning troops from playing the game, fearing it might allow sensitive information to be leaked.
A copy of the leaked document can be viewed here:
The department issued an advisory identifying a series of technical threats being posed by the augmented reality game. The leaked document also brought forth a “non-technical threat,” saying the "addictive nature" of the game could result in "serious injuries to unwary players."
Dutch take Pokemon Go makers to court as gamers flood beaches
Confirming the release of the document, a senior Cabinet Division official told The Express Tribune, "Such advisories are issued for regulatory security purposes."
Interestingly, the game is not available in Pakistan, but players have been able to download it on their smartphones by switching their settings to that of a different country.
New York Pokémon Go player mugged while livestreaming
Based on the video-game franchise of 1990s, Pokemon Go offers players with a real-world map where they hunt computer-generated creatures. Ever since its debut over the summer, the game has brought about $470 million of revenue and has been installed in phones over 550 million times, said global market intelligence firm Newzoo.
This isn't the first time Pokemon Go has sparked security concerns, with the Israeli military banning troops from playing the game, fearing it might allow sensitive information to be leaked.
A copy of the leaked document can be viewed here: