National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) of Pakistan held a cybersecurity awareness session at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), aimed at strengthening digital resilience within the country’s business landscape. Organized in collaboration with RCCI, the session brought together key representatives from the business community, with focused discussions on cyber hygiene, policy frameworks, and the importance of security best practices for enterprises operating in an increasingly digitized environment.
The session was hosted by RCCI and presided over by its President, Mr. Usman Shaukat. It featured an in-depth and interactive conversation led by Mr. Syed Imran Haider, Assistant Director Trainings at National CERT, who addressed the evolving nature of cyber threats and emphasized the urgency of adopting effective cybersecurity measures. The discussion underscored the growing significance of digital safety in business operations and the essential role of awareness in fostering organizational readiness.
Key figures from RCCI were in attendance, including Mr. Sohail Altaf, Group Leader and Former President; Mr. M. Khalid Farooq Qazi, Senior Vice President; and Mr. Fahad Barlas, Vice President. The session also drew participation from several former presidents of RCCI, along with a wide range of business stakeholders from Rawalpindi’s commercial sector. Their active engagement reflected a heightened level of awareness and interest in cybersecurity among local businesses.
Mr. Syed Imran Haider elaborated on common security challenges faced by enterprises and shared insights on building internal capabilities to mitigate digital risks. He reinforced the importance of continuous training and institutional policy enhancements, encouraging participants to embed cybersecurity into their daily operational culture. The session highlighted that effective cyber defense requires not just tools, but a strategic shift in mindset and consistent organizational participation.
As a gesture of appreciation, Mr. Usman Shaukat presented a token of thanks to Mr. Haider for National CERT’s consistent commitment to cyber literacy and capacity development. The session was conducted under National CERT’s Capacity Building Program, which aligns with its Cybersecurity Training Guidelines to uplift the national security framework through coordinated public-private initiatives.
This initiative marks another step in National CERT’s ongoing efforts to create awareness and strengthen institutional preparedness. By engaging the business sector directly, National CERT continues to build a culture of proactive cybersecurity through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of standardized practices that support both public and private sector resilience.
Source: LinkedIn
