National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has successfully concluded its Internship Program 2025, which was launched under its Capacity Building Program to enhance skills and foster new talent in the cybersecurity ecosystem. Following the success of its previous editions, this year’s program provided a comprehensive platform for young professionals to gain practical exposure to the growing field of digital security.
Nearly 200 interns participated in the 6-week program, working across multiple directorates of National CERT in diverse areas including Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC), Incident Management and Threat Intelligence, Cybersecurity Training Development, Software Security Testing, Project Management, Software Development, Social Media Management, Content Writing, and VFX & Video Editing. This multidisciplinary approach not only allowed participants to gain hands-on experience but also enabled them to interact with real-world projects and challenges, building their technical and professional capacity in alignment with national cybersecurity priorities.
The program concluded with a ceremony at National CERT Headquarters where Dr. Haider Abbas, TI (Director General National CERT), awarded certificates of completion to the interns. In his remarks, he stressed the critical importance of developing skilled human capital in cybersecurity and commended the interns for their dedication throughout the program. He encouraged them to pursue professional careers in this vital sector, noting that the experience gained at National CERT would prepare them to contribute effectively to Pakistan’s cyber defense initiatives.
The event was also attended by senior officials including Mr. Khurram Javed (Director Capacity Building), Dr. Mehreen Afzal (Director GRC), and Mr. Syed Imran Haider (Assistant Director-Trainings). They engaged with the interns during the ceremony, acknowledged their contributions, and shared valuable insights into the evolving demands of cybersecurity and digital governance. Their participation underscored National CERT’s commitment to mentorship and to cultivating a new generation of professionals equipped with both technical expertise and strategic awareness.
National CERT continues to expand its efforts to strengthen the cybersecurity workforce in Pakistan, creating pathways for youth to develop practical skills and pursue meaningful careers in the field. The Internship Program 2025 represents another milestone in building a sustainable foundation for talent development, reinforcing the organization’s role in advancing digital resilience and ensuring readiness against emerging cyber challenges.
Source: LinkedIn
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