A cybersecurity training session organized by Member IT on October 23, 2025, brought together senior government officers, including Additional and Deputy Secretaries from multiple departments under the Government of Sindh (GoS), to discuss critical aspects of cyber threats and risk mitigation. The session, led by Shahzeb Malik, Ph.D., emphasized the growing importance of cybersecurity in public institutions and private enterprises as Pakistan continues its digital transition. It aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of how to identify, manage, and respond to potential cyber threats, while fostering a stronger security mindset across government operations.
During the session, Dr. Malik highlighted the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks targeting both public and private organizations, stressing that awareness and preventive action are vital to safeguarding sensitive data and digital assets. He outlined how adopting a proactive cybersecurity framework can help institutions detect vulnerabilities before they are exploited. The discussion covered several areas, including endpoint security, network monitoring, access control, and incident response planning. Emphasis was also placed on collaboration between government and industry to share threat intelligence, ensuring a unified defense against cyber risks that are becoming more persistent and targeted.
The participating officers engaged in an in-depth dialogue about the current cybersecurity challenges facing their departments. The training underscored that government agencies must integrate advanced security measures into their operations, not only to protect their own data but also to secure citizen information stored within digital systems. Practical guidance was offered on how to build resilience against ransomware, phishing, and insider threats through policy reform, continuous employee training, and system audits. The participants discussed adopting standardized security protocols, enhancing coordination among IT departments, and ensuring timely updates to infrastructure and software used across departments.
The training session concluded with actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening the overall cybersecurity posture of public institutions. It was emphasized that the protection of digital infrastructure is a shared responsibility that requires both technical measures and behavioral awareness. Government officers were encouraged to champion cybersecurity awareness within their respective departments and to promote a culture of vigilance and compliance with established security standards. Dr. Malik reiterated that as Pakistan’s digital footprint expands, government and business sectors must work in tandem to implement robust cybersecurity strategies that can mitigate potential threats and ensure continuity of critical services. The session marked an important step toward building a secure and resilient digital environment for both the public and private sectors.
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