National Cyber Emergency Response Team, National CERT, has successfully concluded its Summer Internship Program 2026, with 500 students and graduates completing an intensive eight week learning experience designed to strengthen Pakistan’s future cybersecurity workforce. According to National CERT, the participants represented the top one percent of all applicants, highlighting the highly competitive nature of the program. The internship concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony attended by senior officials and participants, where Director General National CERT, Dr. Haider Abbas, TI, presented certificates of completion to the graduating interns and addressed the cohort. The program forms part of National CERT’s continued efforts to develop skilled cybersecurity professionals capable of supporting Pakistan’s expanding digital ecosystem through practical training, technical knowledge, and professional mentorship.
During the eight week internship, participants received structured training, hands on experience, and mentorship across a broad range of cybersecurity disciplines. The curriculum covered cyber defense, threat intelligence, digital forensics, incident response, security operations, vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, DevSecOps, governance, risk and compliance, training and development, and cybersecurity capacity building. By combining classroom learning with practical exposure, the program aimed to provide participants with technical knowledge and real world understanding of modern cybersecurity operations. The internship exposed students and graduates to multiple areas of the cybersecurity landscape, allowing them to develop a broader understanding of the skills required to identify, assess, and respond to evolving cyber threats while supporting secure digital environments across public and private sector organizations.
Speaking during the certificate distribution ceremony, DG National CERT, Dr. Haider Abbas, TI, emphasized the importance of building a skilled, capable, and future ready cybersecurity workforce to protect Pakistan’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem. He acknowledged the commitment, dedication, and enthusiasm demonstrated by the interns throughout the program and encouraged them to continue applying the knowledge and practical experience gained during the internship in their future professional careers. Dr. Haider Abbas also highlighted the value of investing in young cybersecurity talent as Pakistan continues strengthening its national cyber resilience and expanding its digital infrastructure. The internship program reflects National CERT’s ongoing focus on preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals by providing opportunities for technical learning, practical engagement, and industry relevant experience under the guidance of experienced professionals.
National CERT stated that nurturing emerging talent and strengthening national cybersecurity capacity remain key priorities for the organization. Through initiatives such as the Summer Internship Program, the organization aims to contribute to the development of a sustainable cybersecurity ecosystem capable of addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals across multiple technical domains. The successful completion of the 2026 internship program demonstrates National CERT’s continued commitment to supporting education, professional development, and workforce readiness in cybersecurity. By providing structured training, mentorship, and practical exposure to 500 students and graduates, the program contributes to the broader objective of developing a capable cybersecurity workforce that can support Pakistan’s digital transformation while enhancing cyber resilience across government, industry, and other critical sectors.
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