In a significant step toward enhancing national cyber resilience, the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) conducted a comprehensive training session titled “Fundamentals of Cyber Security and the Role of AI” during the 5th International Conference on Communication Technologies (ComTech-2025). The event was held in strategic partnership with the Military College of Signals (MCS) at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST).
This focused session was tailored for government employees from multiple ministries, divisions, and attached departments, reflecting a growing emphasis on equipping public sector personnel with the tools and knowledge required to address modern cybersecurity challenges. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, National CERT’s training aimed to raise awareness of cyber threats while providing a practical understanding of how artificial intelligence is reshaping the field of cybersecurity.
Participants were introduced to the fundamental principles of cybersecurity, including the nature of digital threats, threat actors, vulnerabilities, and the layered defense mechanisms that safeguard critical systems. Additionally, the session explored the transformative role of artificial intelligence in modern security practices—particularly how AI is now being deployed to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats with unprecedented speed and accuracy.
The training was led by two prominent experts: Mr. Bilal Ahmed, Assistant Professor at MCS-NUST, and Mr. Khurram Javed, Director of Capacity Building at National CERT. Together, they delivered high-impact insights into both the strategic and operational dimensions of cybersecurity. Mr. Ahmed provided an academic lens to foundational cyber defense concepts, while Mr. Javed discussed real-world scenarios and the institutional challenges that public entities face in securing digital infrastructure.
This initiative aligns with National CERT’s broader mission to foster a secure, informed, and AI-capable public sector. The organization continues to invest in capacity-building programs that empower stakeholders with the necessary skills to protect government systems, enhance threat readiness, and implement effective response protocols.
The session also served as a crucial knowledge-sharing platform, encouraging cross-departmental engagement and collaborative learning. By focusing on AI’s capabilities in identifying anomalies, automating threat response, and enhancing overall security posture, National CERT emphasized the need for forward-thinking strategies in Pakistan’s journey toward becoming a secure digital nation.
As government institutions continue to digitize operations, events like this play a pivotal role in bridging knowledge gaps and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness. National CERT’s active role in conducting such targeted and technical trainings positions it as a central force in strengthening Pakistan’s public-sector cyber defense.
With increasing reliance on digital systems and the emergence of sophisticated cyber threats, National CERT’s continued focus on education, AI integration, and resilience building is essential for ensuring the long-term security of national digital infrastructure.
