The present status of data and communication protection in relation to national
security was discussed yesterday at a seminar in Government House. It was felt
that apart from data loss and destruction, most companies faced widespread
piracy of information. Guaranteed protection of classified information was
essential to public security, especially in matters military. Mongolia is more
vulnerable as the Government uses computers that provide little protection
against hackers.

Almost
all the equipment used by companies in the cell phone sector and those
providing Internet connection is made in a few foreign countries, mostly in
China and South Korea. Participants felt this, at least theoretically, posed a
threat to Mongolia. Some of these equipment manufacturing firms are known to be
lax in protecting data security. 
 
Concern was also expressed over other likely threats to security in other
sectors. For example, large-scale export of commodities like coal may lead to a
situation when the country’s own energy needs 
suffer and Mongolia becomes dependent on any or both of its neighbors
for anything.

Some
participants felt certain developments in the human sector could have a negative
impact in the long term. For example, Ulaanbaatar now has 90 Christian churches
while the number of Buddhist temples is only 55. Also, more and more Mongolians
are marrying foreign citizens, a fact that is likely to affect the country’s
gene pool.