Expert concerned over internet illiteracy in Armenia

Internet illiteracy is a serious problem in Armenia, Samvel Martirosyan, an information security expert has said.

At a news conference on Saturday, the expert spoke of safe and unsafe connections to the virtual network, warning particularly against the danger of WiFi internet access in cafes. He said such connection often enables third person's access to one's computer data.

Martirosyan further spoke of the free information flow on the personal pages of public figures. He noted in that connection that Yerevan Mayor Karen Karapetyan's Facebook profile is among the most visited pages on the popular social networking site, with many people posting there photos and messages to raise awareness of the urgent problems in the capital city (dead animal or tree cutting).

The expert said information security should not place restrictions on civil freedom, but it should protect officials from being pursued in social networks.

"That's a real problem around the world. The Azerbaijani intelligence agents may use a beautiful lady's photo to draw out important information from a vulnerable Armenian official," he added.

Martirosyan said false profiles do not normally have a long life as it is possible to identify them by searching the persons named on Google.