The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) of Pakistan has conducted a one day workshop focused on the establishment and operationalization of Sectoral Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) and Security Operations Centers (SOCs) for cybersecurity officials from different sectors and organizations. The workshop was held at the National CERT Headquarters in Islamabad and marked the beginning of a capacity building series aimed at improving institutional preparedness, operational capabilities, and coordinated cybersecurity response mechanisms across Pakistan’s critical sectors. The initiative focused on strengthening the ability of sectoral and organizational cybersecurity teams to manage emerging digital risks while improving collaboration between institutions responsible for protecting important information systems.
The workshop brought together technical officials, cybersecurity professionals, government representatives, regulators, and national institutions to discuss the requirements for developing effective CERT and SOC structures. Participants included representatives from Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Cabinet Division, Higher Education Commission (HEC Pakistan)/(PERN), Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), National Assembly of Pakistan, Common Criteria Pakistan Lab (CCPL), Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Ministry of Defence (MoD), Strategic Plans Division (SPD), PTA, and Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination. The engagement provided a platform for technical discussions, experience sharing, and coordination among stakeholders involved in strengthening cybersecurity operations. Discussions focused on the creation and improvement of Sectoral CERTs and SOCs in accordance with the CERT Rules, 2023, with emphasis on building structured cybersecurity capabilities across different areas.
During the technical session, Dr. Muhammad Yousaf, Director CERT at National CERT, provided detailed insights into the regulatory, institutional, and operational requirements involved in establishing and managing Sectoral CERTs and SOCs. The session covered key areas including organizational responsibilities, governance models, technical workforce requirements, operational procedures, incident detection and response processes, escalation mechanisms, and coordination frameworks. Participants were also briefed on protocols for information sharing and collaboration with National CERT and the National Cyber Security Operations Centre. The discussions highlighted the importance of having clearly defined processes and skilled teams capable of identifying, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity incidents in a coordinated manner.
Through this workshop initiative, National CERT reaffirmed its commitment to developing a stronger cybersecurity ecosystem by supporting institutions in establishing operationally capable CERT and SOC functions. The capacity building series is designed to enhance cyber readiness among organizations, improve cooperation between different sectors, and strengthen mechanisms for responding to cybersecurity challenges. By encouraging collaboration between government bodies, regulators, and technical teams, the initiative aims to improve national cyber resilience and support the protection of critical information infrastructure. The establishment of effective Sectoral CERTs and SOCs is expected to contribute toward a more coordinated approach for cybersecurity monitoring, incident management, and information exchange across Pakistan’s digital landscape.
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