The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) of Pakistan has launched the National CERT Certified PISF Associate (NCPISFA), an online certification course designed to improve understanding of the Pakistan Information Security Framework (PISF) 2025 and its baseline security controls. The programme has been introduced as part of National CERT’s capacity-building initiatives to support stronger information security practices across public sector institutions and designated critical infrastructure organisations. The course provides an overview of the framework and explains the essential security measures that organisations are expected to consider when strengthening their information security arrangements. According to the course announcement, its content is intended for federal and provincial government ministries, divisions, departments, autonomous bodies, corporations, Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) and designated Critical Information Infrastructures (CIIs). By offering the certification online, National CERT aims to make structured learning about the framework accessible to relevant professionals and institutional stakeholders. The initiative focuses on translating baseline security requirements into practical understanding, helping participants become familiar with the policies, controls and governance considerations that contribute to a more secure organisational environment.
The NCPISFA course covers several areas of information security, beginning with Information Security Governance and the fundamentals of PISF. These subjects introduce participants to the framework’s role in establishing a structured approach to managing information security within institutions. The course also addresses essential information security controls, which form the basis for protecting organisational systems, information and digital operations. Understanding these controls can help institutions identify the measures required to strengthen their security posture and manage risks associated with their information assets. Another key area is regulatory and policy compliance, which focuses on the obligations and requirements organisations need to consider when implementing information security practices. The course also includes institutional cybersecurity readiness and resilience, providing an overview of how organisations can prepare for potential security challenges and maintain more secure operations. Together, these learning areas are intended to give participants a foundation in the principles and requirements of the Pakistan Information Security Framework 2025. The programme places particular emphasis on understanding security requirements not only as policy documents but also as measures that need to be considered in institutional practices and operational processes.
The framework and its baseline controls are relevant to a broad range of public sector bodies and organisations responsible for important digital and information infrastructure. Federal and provincial ministries, government departments, autonomous bodies, corporations and CERTs are among the intended stakeholders identified in the course announcement. Designated Critical Information Infrastructures are also included, reflecting the importance of applying appropriate information security measures to systems and services that support essential operations. The course highlights four key objectives: building cyber resilience, meeting compliance requirements, supporting stakeholders and establishing essential security controls. These areas connect institutional governance with practical security responsibilities, including the need to understand applicable policies, identify security requirements and strengthen organisational readiness. A common baseline can also help relevant institutions develop a more consistent understanding of information security expectations. Through the NCPISFA programme, National CERT is seeking to support this understanding by providing a dedicated learning pathway centred on PISF 2025. The announcement describes the certification as an online course, although it does not specify its duration, assessment structure, fee, eligibility conditions or examination arrangements. Interested participants can consult the official course page for further information about enrolment and programme details.
National CERT has presented the launch as part of its wider capacity-building efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s cybersecurity governance and promote the adoption of baseline information security controls. The initiative reflects the importance of developing institutional knowledge alongside technical security measures, particularly as government organisations and critical infrastructure stakeholders manage increasingly complex digital environments. Familiarity with information security governance, compliance obligations and organisational resilience can help relevant personnel understand their responsibilities and contribute to the implementation of security practices within their institutions. The certification also provides an opportunity for professionals to develop a clearer understanding of the Pakistan Information Security Framework 2025 and the controls outlined for different types of organisations. National CERT has invited interested stakeholders to explore the programme through its official website link. The course is titled National CERT Certified PISF Associate (NCPISFA), and its launch adds an online training option to the team’s capacity-building activities. Through this programme, National CERT aims to promote greater awareness of information security requirements and support efforts to build a safer and more resilient digital environment across Pakistan.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
