National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has successfully concluded a five-day Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) training program designed to strengthen the technical and forensic capabilities of government institutions and strategic partners. The program, held in line with National CERT’s Comprehensive Training Guidelines, focused on building advanced knowledge in digital forensics, cyber incident response, and evidence collection to address the growing complexity of cyber threats faced by Pakistan.
The training brought together participants from several high-profile organizations, reflecting a broad inter-agency commitment to cyber preparedness. Attendees included officials from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MoITT), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Anti-Narcotics Force, NADRA, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC), National Information Technology Board (NITB), National Technical Information Security Board (NTISB), Department of Security Communications (DCS), Ignite – National Technology Fund, and the Controller General of Accounts (CGA). Personnel from National CERT itself also took part, ensuring that both host and partner agencies benefited from the intensive technical training.
Over the course of the five days, participants were immersed in practical sessions designed to replicate real-world scenarios, enabling them to develop essential expertise in identifying, collecting, and analyzing digital evidence. The curriculum covered best practices in handling forensic data, maintaining integrity of evidence, and applying internationally recognized standards in cybercrime investigation. Trainers emphasized the importance of cross-agency collaboration and knowledge sharing to ensure that Pakistan’s public sector institutions can respond more effectively to complex incidents of hacking, data theft, and digital fraud.
National CERT underscored that this initiative is part of a broader national capacity-building effort aimed at aligning Pakistan’s cyber defense standards with global practices. By providing professionals across government entities with exposure to CHFI methodologies, the training reinforced the need for continuous skill development to stay ahead of emerging threats. Participants are now better equipped to support their respective agencies in managing cyber investigations, protecting sensitive data, and contributing to collective efforts in securing national digital infrastructure.
Through programs like this, National CERT continues to support the government in strengthening resilience against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. By investing in advanced forensic training and capacity development, Pakistan is laying the groundwork for a more secure digital ecosystem, where government institutions and strategic partners are prepared to meet the challenges of modern cybersecurity.
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