National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) of Pakistan has successfully conducted a comprehensive two day operational and implementation focused training on Integrated Cybersecurity Governance and Secure Technology Adoption for officers of the Office Management Group (OMG). The programme was held at the Secretariat Training Institute (STI) in Islamabad for BS 17 officers participating in the 47th Specialised Training Programme (STP) of the 53rd Common Training Programme (CTP). Designed in accordance with National CERT Training Guidelines, the training focused on strengthening cybersecurity knowledge and practical implementation across the public sector while supporting secure digital transformation initiatives. The programme aimed to equip participants with the skills and understanding needed to address evolving cybersecurity challenges and reinforce cybersecurity as a strategic national priority within government institutions.
The two day training covered a wide range of topics related to cybersecurity governance, policymaking, adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, cyber risk management, threat assessment, and secure technology adoption. Participants also received practical insights and live demonstrations to help them understand the implementation of cybersecurity governance frameworks in government organizations. The sessions emphasized the importance of integrating cybersecurity into policy development and organizational decision making while encouraging a structured approach to managing cyber risks. By combining theoretical concepts with practical examples, the programme enabled officers to better understand the challenges associated with digital transformation and the measures required to protect government systems and information assets. The training also highlighted responsible technology adoption and the role of effective governance in strengthening institutional resilience across the public sector.
The programme was delivered by National CERT experts including Assistant Director Training Syed Imran Haider, Director GRC Dr. Mehreen Afzal Afzal, Director Capacity Building Khurram Javed, and Red Team Lead Syed Zain ul Hassan. Throughout the sessions, participants remained actively engaged in interactive discussions, scenario based exercises, practical demonstrations, and real world case studies. These activities allowed officers to translate theoretical knowledge into practical application while improving their ability to identify cyber threats, assess risks, implement appropriate security measures, and apply cybersecurity governance principles within their respective institutions. The combination of technical instruction and practical exercises helped participants gain a deeper understanding of cybersecurity operations while strengthening their readiness to support secure technology adoption in government departments.
The training programme also enhanced the capacity of participating officers to lead secure digital transformation initiatives, promote proactive cyber risk management, and make informed strategic decisions aligned with Pakistan national cybersecurity priorities. By encouraging a governance driven approach to cybersecurity and responsible use of emerging technologies, the initiative contributes to building stronger institutional resilience and improving the security posture of the public sector. National CERT stated that it remains committed to advancing national cyber resilience through continuous capacity building, awareness programmes, and strategic collaboration with public sector organizations. Through initiatives such as this training programme, National CERT continues to support the development of skilled government professionals capable of implementing effective cybersecurity governance practices and strengthening secure digital services across Pakistan.
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