The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Capacity Development Resource Center (CDRC) successfully conducted a comprehensive cybersecurity training for public sector officials, aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s critical infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.
The full-day session was led by Dr. Haider Abbas, TI, Director General of the Pakistan Cyber Emergency Response Team (PK CERT) and one of Pakistan’s foremost cybersecurity experts. The training addressed vulnerabilities across key critical infrastructure sectors, including energy, telecommunications, and financial systems.
Dr. Abbas underscored the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, particularly those harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI), and emphasized the importance of adopting AI-driven defense mechanisms to counter emerging threats. Attendees were equipped with actionable strategies to mitigate cyber risks and safeguard national assets.
As part of the session, an in-depth assessment of the current cybersecurity posture within public sector organizations was conducted. Dr. Abbas shared strategic recommendations to foster a culture of cyber resilience, improve incident response protocols, and encourage collaboration between organizations for a unified defense approach.
Participants engaged in hands-on group exercises and a dynamic Q&A session, where real-world challenges were discussed, and tailored solutions explored under Dr. Abbas’s expert guidance.
The initiative highlights ADB’s continued commitment to enhancing Pakistan’s cyber capabilities and empowering public sector institutions to address modern cybersecurity challenges. Dr. Abbas praised the proactive participation of officials and urged leadership across organizations to prioritize cybersecurity as a cornerstone of operational resilience.
With ongoing collaboration between ADB and PK CERT, this training marks a significant milestone in fortifying Pakistan’s digital ecosystem and protecting its critical infrastructure from advanced cyber threats.
