National Cyber Emergency Response Team of Pakistan continued its national capacity building efforts by conducting a specialized cybersecurity awareness session for civil servants participating in domain specific training at Secretariat Training Institute in Islamabad. The session was led by Dr. Haider Abbas, TI, Director General of National CERT, who addressed participants on the importance of securing government digital assets and strengthening cyber resilience across the public sector. The training formed part of National CERT’s ongoing initiatives to improve cybersecurity awareness among government officials and reinforce the country’s ability to respond to an evolving cyber threat landscape. The session also highlighted the growing importance of integrating cybersecurity considerations into governance and public administration as government institutions continue expanding their digital services and information systems.
During the session, Dr. Haider Abbas discussed the changing nature of cyber threats facing government organizations and the increasing need for proactive security measures to protect critical digital infrastructure. He shared insights into cyber resilience strategies, emphasizing that government institutions must adopt a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity that extends beyond technical controls. According to the discussion, the protection of government digital assets depends on informed leadership, practical awareness, domain specific expertise and the collective responsibility of officials working across different departments. Participants were also encouraged to recognize the role they play in safeguarding sensitive government information and ensuring that cybersecurity remains an integral part of policy implementation and administrative decision making. The interactive format of the session enabled attendees to better understand emerging cyber risks and the importance of adopting a security focused mindset while performing their official responsibilities.
National CERT stressed that cybersecurity should be viewed as a governance priority rather than solely a technical function. As digital transformation continues across the public sector, government organizations increasingly rely on interconnected information systems to deliver essential services, manage public records and support administrative operations. Protecting these systems requires effective institutional coordination, continuous awareness initiatives and strong security practices at every level of government. During the session, participants were informed that strengthening cyber resilience involves building organizational readiness, improving risk awareness and ensuring that public sector employees understand the security implications associated with their daily responsibilities. National CERT highlighted that developing a security first culture across government institutions can help reduce cyber risks while improving the overall resilience of national digital infrastructure.
The cybersecurity session at Secretariat Training Institute reflects National CERT’s broader commitment to supporting Pakistan’s digital security objectives through continuous engagement with government institutions and public sector professionals. By delivering specialized awareness programs and collaborating with training organizations, National CERT aims to strengthen institutional capabilities and improve the overall cybersecurity posture of government departments. The organization stated that sustained capacity building, knowledge sharing and interagency collaboration remain essential components of its mission to enhance cyber resilience across Pakistan. Through initiatives focused on leadership awareness, professional development and practical cybersecurity education, National CERT continues to support the protection of government digital assets while promoting a secure, trusted and digitally empowered Pakistan.
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