𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗧 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 “𝗖𝘆𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗚𝗼𝘃: 𝗖𝘆𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲”

The National CERT Headquarters in Islamabad recently hosted the second session of its “CyberSecureGov: Cyber Guidelines Initiative,” following the success of the inaugural session. This initiative, a key component of the National CERT’s Cybersecurity Capacity Building Program, aims to equip government organizations with the necessary tools and knowledge to protect their digital infrastructures from the increasing threat of cyberattacks.

The workshop attracted participation from various government entities, including representatives from the National Heritage and Culture Division, Lok Virsa, the Ministry of Communications, and the Ministry of Commerce. The session focused on enhancing cybersecurity frameworks within these organizations, with an emphasis on conducting Security Posture Assessments and Security Posture Analyses to identify vulnerabilities and bolster defense mechanisms.

Dr. Mehreen Afzal, Director of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), led the session, underscoring the importance of comprehensive cybersecurity measures across public sector institutions. Dr. Afzal presented the National CERT’s “Cybersecurity Implementation Guidelines,” offering actionable strategies aimed at risk mitigation and promoting a proactive security posture within government organizations.

In addition to Dr. Afzal’s presentation, Mr. Khurram Javed, Director of Capacity Building at National CERT, shared practical frameworks and methodologies for improving institutional resilience against cyber threats. His detailed discussion on cybersecurity governance emphasized the significance of strategic planning and capacity building as essential components for effectively tackling modern cyber risks.

The “CyberSecureGov” initiative continues to provide a collaborative platform for knowledge-sharing, skill development, and mutual cooperation among public sector entities. With several more sessions planned, National CERT remains committed to enhancing Pakistan’s cybersecurity readiness and ensuring its resilience in the face of evolving digital threats.