The National CERT teams will operate tirelessly, even during holidays, to ensure the integrity of Pakistan’s cyberspace remains uncompromised.
In a proactive move to fortify cyberspace, the Government of Pakistan has greenlit the establishment of National Computer Emergency Response Teams (NCERT) dedicated to vigilant monitoring and safeguarding of the nation’s digital realm around the clock.
The initiative, set to operate under the auspices of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 and CERT rules 2023, underscores Pakistan’s commitment to bolstering its cybersecurity infrastructure in the face of evolving digital threats.
The decision, slated to be tabled before the Federal Cabinet this Friday, marks a pivotal step towards enhancing Pakistan’s cyber resilience. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Information and Technology, the NCERT will receive financial backing from the government to ensure seamless coordination with Sectoral CERT teams, fostering a cohesive response mechanism to combat cyber threats effectively.
The enactment of CERT rules in 2023 laid down a comprehensive framework to address the burgeoning cybersecurity landscape, encompassing national, sectoral, and organizational levels. Under this legislative umbrella, the National Security Operations Centre will be erected to operationalize these regulations, ushering in a new era of proactive cybersecurity governance.
Central to this initiative is the formation of a council comprising key stakeholders from various governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Cabinet Division. Led by the Secretary of IT, the council will also feature representation from the National Security Division, telecom sector, industry, academia, and civil society, ensuring a holistic approach to cybersecurity governance.
Caretaker IT Minister lauded the CERT initiative as a pivotal milestone in fortifying Pakistan’s cyber defenses, emphasizing its role in preempting potential cyber threats and ensuring swift responses in the event of cyber-attacks. With cybersecurity emerging as a cornerstone of national security, Pakistan’s commitment to establishing both National and Sectoral-level Computer Emergency Response Teams underscores its proactive stance in safeguarding its digital assets.
The National CERT teams, entrusted with the monumental task of upholding cybersecurity protocols, will operate tirelessly, even during holidays, to ensure the integrity of Pakistan’s cyberspace remains uncompromised. This steadfast commitment to round-the-clock monitoring reflects Pakistan’s resolve to stay ahead of emerging cyber threats and mitigate potential risks effectively.
Furthermore, the government’s proactive stance in urging collaboration between the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan to revive the IT Cash Reward Program underscores its unwavering dedication to incentivizing cybersecurity initiatives. By fostering synergy between public and private sectors, Pakistan aims to create a robust cybersecurity ecosystem capable of withstanding the complexities of the digital age.
As cyberspace continues to evolve into a critical domain of national security, Pakistan’s strategic investments in cybersecurity infrastructure signify a paradigm shift towards proactive risk management. By harnessing the collective expertise of stakeholders from diverse sectors, Pakistan is poised to emerge as a regional leader in cybersecurity, setting a precedent for proactive governance in the digital age.