The Institute for Strategic Studies, Research and Analysis (ISSRA) at the National Defence University Islamabad recently organized a series of panel discussions, seminars, and forums from September 2023 to October 2024. These sessions brought together practitioners from the Tri-Services, government, industry, and academia to discuss and refine strategic cybersecurity guidelines for the government in the context of national security.
Dr. Haider Abbas, Director General of National CERT, played a pivotal role as a panel moderator, guest speaker, and expert panelist during these discussions, contributing significantly to the formulation of key cybersecurity strategies. The strategic recommendations were divided into short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals to safeguard Pakistan’s digital frontiers.
The key highlights of these recommendations include several critical measures to strengthen Pakistan’s cybersecurity ecosystem. In the short-term, the focus is on updating the legal framework to address cybersecurity threats such as fake news and digital impersonation, particularly with the growing use of AI. The laws must balance freedom and privacy, and mandatory cybersecurity education should be introduced for government and civil employees. Additionally, the establishment of a National Cyber Security Agency will centralize monitoring, while crisis communication strategies must be developed to restore public trust following cyber incidents.
In the medium-term, the recommendations emphasize developing comprehensive threat-sharing platforms to enhance cybersecurity readiness. Strengthening international collaboration to address cross-border cyber incidents is also crucial. This will enable Pakistan to effectively respond to cyber threats and ensure the security of its digital assets.
Looking ahead to the long-term goals, the focus shifts to establishing nationwide cybersecurity strategies and infrastructure aimed at reducing reliance on external technologies. Achieving self-sufficiency in cybersecurity technologies will minimize vulnerabilities and strengthen Pakistan’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
National CERT remains deeply committed to playing a key role in securing Pakistan’s digital assets. In addition to responding to incidents, National CERT proactively addresses future challenges by continuously refining its strategies, advancing threat detection capabilities, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness across all sectors. By adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity, Pakistan can ensure the security and integrity of its digital landscape.
Effective national cybersecurity strategies typically include elements such as a dedicated national cybersecurity agency, national critical infrastructure protection programs, national incident response and recovery plans, defined laws pertaining to cybercrimes, and vibrant cybersecurity ecosystems. National CERT’s contributions to Pakistan’s cybersecurity landscape are a significant step towards achieving these goals.
