National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) organized an operational cybersecurity awareness training for officials from the Financial Accounting & Budgeting System (FABS), Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Finance Division, Government of Pakistan. The initiative aimed at strengthening cyber resilience, safeguarding against financial scams, and equipping officials with the knowledge to adopt more secure digital practices while managing sensitive financial data and systems.
The training was developed in line with National CERT’s Cyber Security Training Guidelines and was designed to address the needs of technical staff, operational teams, and end-user officials working in the Finance Division. Participants were guided through the evolving cyber threat landscape, with a particular focus on risks facing the financial sector. Topics included phishing attempts, online fraud schemes, and the various tactics cybercriminals use to exploit weaknesses in both individual users and institutional systems. The program highlighted proactive defense measures and introduced strategies that can be practically applied to strengthen the security of financial platforms.
Mr. Khurram Javed, Director Capacity Building at National CERT, and Mr. Syed Imran Haider, Assistant Director Trainings, led the session and shared expert insights into building stronger cybersecurity frameworks. They emphasized the importance of readiness in preventing attacks that could compromise sensitive financial data. The training featured interactive discussions and scenario-based learning exercises, giving participants the opportunity to engage with real-world examples and practice approaches to counter threats. This format ensured that officials were not only receiving theoretical knowledge but also practical applications that could directly enhance their day-to-day work in protecting financial systems.
Officials from the Finance Division expressed their strong interest and active participation throughout the training, reflecting the growing awareness of the risks associated with digital operations in the public sector. National CERT reaffirmed its commitment to capacity building and announced that it would continue engaging with government institutions to strengthen digital security across critical sectors. By working closely with entities such as the Finance Division, National CERT is contributing to the creation of a more secure, resilient, and cyber-aware public sector ecosystem in Pakistan.
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