In a significant step towards bolstering cybersecurity awareness within Pakistan’s public sector, the National Computer Emergency Response Team (National CERT) organized a dedicated cybersecurity awareness session for officials of the National Assembly of Pakistan on May 26, 2025. The event was held at the National Assembly Secretariat in Islamabad as part of National CERT’s continued efforts to foster a secure digital environment across key government institutions.
The awareness session was attended by personnel from multiple departments, including the Directorate of Information Technology (IT), the Directorate of the Kashmir Committee (KC), the National Assembly Library, and the Directorate of Research. Notably, the session catered to both Tier-1 end users and Tier-2 personnel involved in technical and operational roles. This inclusive approach ensured that cybersecurity knowledge reached a wide cross-section of government employees who interact with digital systems at various levels of responsibility.
Leading the session was Mr. Syed Imran Haider, Assistant Director Trainings at National CERT. With a focus on practical and preventative cybersecurity knowledge, Mr. Haider covered a wide range of topics essential to maintaining security in government digital infrastructure. These included fundamental cybersecurity awareness for all staff, recommended network security practices tailored for government organizations, and core principles for secure development and hosting of software applications. The training aimed not only to educate but also to instill a security-first mindset among participants, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and best practices in daily digital operations.
National CERT’s initiative underscores the increasing recognition of cybersecurity as a strategic priority for public institutions. As cyber threats evolve in sophistication and frequency, awareness and training sessions like this serve as a critical first line of defense. Government bodies, especially those involved in policymaking and national decision-making, are frequently targeted by malicious actors seeking to disrupt or gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. Therefore, equipping staff with the knowledge to recognize threats, respond appropriately, and adhere to secure protocols is vital for national digital resilience.
The National Assembly Secretariat acknowledged the training session as a valuable contribution to enhancing the digital safety of parliamentary functions. Officials appreciated National CERT’s efforts in building a foundation for proactive cyber hygiene and in encouraging a collective responsibility for cybersecurity. The Secretariat highlighted that fostering a culture of security within its departments is now more important than ever, given the expanding digital footprint of legislative work.
This session is part of a broader campaign by National CERT to improve cybersecurity capabilities across Pakistan’s public sector. Through structured training programs, regular awareness drives, and close coordination with governmental bodies, National CERT is laying the groundwork for a resilient, secure, and informed digital ecosystem. As threats continue to emerge in the digital landscape, such initiatives are key to safeguarding national digital assets and ensuring operational continuity in critical institutions.
With continued engagement and education, the government is steadily progressing towards a more secure and cyber-aware workforce—one that can act as a strong defense line against cyber intrusions in an increasingly interconnected era.
Source: LinkedIn
