National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) of Pakistan recently conducted a comprehensive cybersecurity preparedness training session for officials of Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control at the Ministry’s headquarters in Islamabad. The program was designed in alignment with National CERT’s Training Guidelines to enhance cybersecurity awareness, resilience, and operational readiness across all levels of the organization. Participants included end users, operational staff, and senior management, ensuring a wide-reaching understanding of cybersecurity practices and risk mitigation strategies.
The session was led by Director General National CERT, Dr. Haider Abbas, TI, who outlined the evolving global cyber landscape and the critical importance of safeguarding Pakistan’s information infrastructure. He emphasized the growing significance of cybersecurity in modern hybrid threats and highlighted proactive measures required to maintain national security and operational continuity. Dr. Haider discussed National CERT’s role in strengthening cyber defense mechanisms, improving inter-agency coordination, and promoting capacity building to counter increasingly sophisticated cyber threats targeting government institutions.
Assistant Director Trainings, Mr. Syed Imran Haider, conducted an interactive session covering social engineering, behavioral security, misinformation awareness, cyber hygiene, and practical strategies to identify, prevent, and respond to cyber incidents. The training emphasized the importance of cultivating a cyber-aware culture, where each individual understands their responsibilities in maintaining a secure digital environment. Real-world examples and scenario-based discussions provided participants with actionable insights on implementing preventive cybersecurity measures in daily operations, helping to minimize risks and enhance organizational resilience.
National CERT continues to advance Pakistan’s cybersecurity posture through structured capacity-building programs, awareness campaigns, and technical training initiatives. By equipping officials with the knowledge and tools to address cyber threats, these programs contribute to safeguarding critical national infrastructure and supporting a secure digital ecosystem. The training for Ministry of Interior officials underscores the ongoing commitment to fostering institutional readiness and ensuring that government agencies are prepared to navigate an increasingly complex and digitally dependent environment.
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