National Cyber Emergency Response Team, National CERT, recently conducted a detailed cybersecurity training session at Aga Khan Foundation, focusing on equipping civil society organizations with critical knowledge and practical tools to safeguard their digital operations. The program brought together participants from across Pakistan, joining both in person and virtually, reflecting a nationwide effort to enhance cyber awareness and resilience among organizations that play a vital role in society.
During the session, Khurram Javed, Director Capacity Building at National CERT, guided participants through modern cybersecurity awareness frameworks, emphasizing threat identification, secure digital practices, and organizational risk mitigation strategies. He highlighted the importance of fostering a proactive security culture within civil society organizations and stressed that understanding evolving cyber threats is essential to maintaining operational continuity and protecting sensitive information. Javed also encouraged continuous learning and cross-sector collaboration, emphasizing that collective efforts are critical to strengthening national cybersecurity readiness.
Zaheema Iqbal, Assistant Director Advisories and Communication, delivered a focused discussion on the growing misuse of artificial intelligence in cyber activities. Her session addressed the rising prevalence of deepfake images, synthetic voices, and manipulated videos, offering participants practical techniques for detecting AI-generated content. She also provided guidance on responsible reporting mechanisms for cybercrimes, underscoring the importance of public awareness in combating digital misinformation and reinforcing the role of civil society in maintaining trustworthy online spaces. Iqbal’s presentation highlighted that understanding the capabilities and risks associated with AI is a vital component of comprehensive digital literacy.
National CERT emphasized its commitment to empowering all sectors of society with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to navigate the digital environment securely. By focusing on capacity building and awareness for civil society organizations, the team aims to foster a more secure and resilient national cyber ecosystem. The training session reflects ongoing efforts to ensure that organizations and individuals are prepared to identify and respond to cyber threats effectively, mitigating potential risks while promoting safe digital practices throughout Pakistan. This initiative also reinforces the broader objective of National CERT to create a culture of proactive cybersecurity awareness, enabling civil society actors to contribute to a safer, more trustworthy online environment for all.
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