During a recent session of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology, NTC officials reported on two major cyber attacks that targeted government institutions over the past weekend. According to the briefing, NTC’s cybersecurity teams successfully thwarted both attempts, preventing any unauthorized access to sensitive government data and ensuring that critical operations continued without disruption. Officials emphasized that proactive monitoring and rapid incident response played a key role in stopping the attacks before they could cause damage.
The attacks, which were directed at multiple government agencies, underscore the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats in Pakistan. Institutions hosted and managed by NTC remained fully secure throughout the incidents, demonstrating the resilience of its cybersecurity infrastructure. NTC currently provides protection and support to over 3,000 organizations across 100 cities, delivering services that include real-time threat monitoring, vulnerability assessment, and continuous incident response. Officials noted that the recent events highlight the need for sustained investment in cybersecurity measures to protect national digital assets and public services.
In response to these incidents, authorities discussed plans to establish a government-level cybersecurity authority aimed at strengthening the overall security framework for critical systems. Such an initiative would provide centralized coordination for incident management, set security standards, and offer guidance to government institutions to mitigate evolving cyber threats. Experts at the session noted that robust threat intelligence, continuous monitoring, and effective collaboration between public and private entities are essential to safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining operational continuity.
NTC officials emphasized that their proactive strategies, which include advanced security protocols and constant surveillance of network infrastructure, were instrumental in preventing potential disruptions. These measures not only protected government services from immediate harm but also served as a demonstration of how comprehensive cybersecurity practices can reduce the risk of significant breaches. Authorities reassured stakeholders that public and government services remained fully operational throughout the cyber attacks, reflecting the effectiveness of NTC’s security posture and its ability to respond quickly to emerging threats.
The events underscore the critical importance of developing a strong cybersecurity ecosystem in Pakistan, including investments in SOC capabilities, threat intelligence sharing, and training for IT personnel. Officials highlighted that future efforts will focus on enhancing these frameworks and introducing new policies to manage cyber risks more effectively. By maintaining vigilance and implementing layered security measures, NTC aims to continue safeguarding critical national infrastructure and protecting sensitive data from increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks.
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