Islamabad, Pakistan – National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) Pakistan successfully completed a five-day Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) training program for government officials, highlighting its ongoing commitment to strengthening national cybersecurity capabilities. Organized under the Capacity Building Directorate, the program aimed to enhance risk management, information systems governance, and operational resilience across the public sector. A total of 52 officers from various ministries, divisions, and attached departments participated, reflecting a broad cross section of public sector representation and underscoring the importance of standardized cybersecurity practices for government operations.
The training was designed in accordance with National CERT’s official Training Guidelines and focused on core areas of enterprise risk management, IT risk identification and assessment, incident response planning, and the implementation of effective information systems controls. By providing participants with globally recognized best practices, the program sought to equip government officials with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, mitigate, and manage cyber and operational risks within their respective organizations. The sessions emphasized the adoption of proactive, risk-based approaches to cybersecurity governance, supporting broader efforts to secure critical information infrastructure and strengthen institutional resilience across government entities.
Throughout the five-day program, sessions were interactive and highly engaging, combining expert-led lectures, practical insights, real-world case studies, and collaborative discussions. Participants actively interacted with facilitators and shared their experiences, demonstrating strong engagement and a commitment to applying the concepts in their organizational contexts. The program also highlighted the importance of establishing a culture of accountability and strategic risk management, enabling officials to integrate security considerations into decision making and operational planning. By focusing on practical application alongside theoretical knowledge, the training reinforced the role of government personnel in safeguarding information assets and supporting secure digital transformation initiatives.
The training concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony led by Director General National CERT, Dr. Haider Abbas, TI, who recognized the participants’ diligence and enthusiasm. Dr. Abbas reiterated National CERT’s commitment to developing skilled human capital and fostering a cybersecurity culture within government institutions. He emphasized that capacity building programs such as the CRISC training are essential for preparing officials to respond to evolving cyber threats, manage operational risks effectively, and strengthen governance practices. The initiative reflects National CERT’s broader vision to enhance public sector cybersecurity readiness and ensure sustainable, secure digital operations across Pakistan’s government organizations.
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