Director General National CERT, Dr. Haider Abbas, TI, was invited by Secretariat Training Institute (STI), Establishment Division, Government of Pakistan, to deliver an expert session focused on “The Evolving Cyber Threat Landscape and Protection of Digital Assets.” The session was conducted under the Domain-Specific Training module for the Mid-Career Management Course (MCMC), which is designed for senior officers across various government departments and ministries.
Dr. Haider Abbas delivered a comprehensive overview of the current and emerging cyber threat environment, both globally and within the national context. He explained how the digital landscape has transformed over recent years, noting that the rise in interconnected systems and reliance on technology has significantly increased the vulnerability of critical information infrastructures. He underscored the growing complexity of cyber attacks and their implications for public sector operations, particularly in terms of data integrity, institutional trust, and continuity of governance.
Throughout the session, the importance of strengthening institutional capabilities to protect digital assets was repeatedly emphasized. Dr. Abbas highlighted that a proactive approach to cybersecurity is essential, one that includes not only technological upgrades but also human capacity building. He urged government departments to adopt a more strategic and coordinated posture toward digital governance, integrating cybersecurity frameworks into their core operational plans. The conversation covered the essential role of public sector leadership in establishing resilience, promoting awareness, and driving nationwide collaboration in cyber defense efforts.
Participants engaged actively during the session, raising questions and sharing perspectives on cybersecurity challenges specific to their respective departments. The discussion evolved into an exchange on policy-level reforms and the need for coherent national strategies to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. The interaction revealed a shared recognition among officers of the urgent need to secure digital platforms and reinforce internal defense mechanisms.
National CERT, under Dr. Haider Abbas’ leadership, continues to play a key role in promoting cybersecurity awareness and building technical and policy capacity within Pakistan’s public institutions. The session at STI served as another step in this broader mission, aimed at aligning government operations with modern cybersecurity standards and practices. By equipping senior civil servants with knowledge of digital risks and protection strategies, the initiative contributes to shaping a more secure and resilient digital ecosystem across the government sector.
Source: LinkedIn
