The government has decided to establish National Computer Emergency Response Teams (NCERT) to monitor and secure Pakistan’s cyberspace around the clock.
NCERT to secure Pakistan’s cyberspace
On Friday, the Federal Cabinet will consider the Ministry of Information and Technology’s summary for the establishment of NCERT under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act of 2016 and the CERT Rules of 2023.
According to sources, the National CERT, which is funded by the Ministry of IT, will work closely with various Sectoral CERT teams to provide timely assistance as needed.
According to the approved CERT rules, the National Security Operations Centre will be established to facilitate the practical implementation of these regulations.
The council will be made up of members from various government bodies, including the secretary of information technology as chairman.
Approved CERT rules
As well as representatives from the Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Cabinet Divisions.
The council will also include representatives from the National Security Division, the telecommunications sector, industry, academia, and civil society.
Dr. Umar Saif, the caretaker IT Minister, recently announced that the CERT initiative aimed to improve Pakistan’s cyber security measures, prevent potential cyber threats to the country’s data, and ensure prompt responses in the event of a cyber-attack.
Under these rules, Pakistan will establish both national and sectoral-level computer emergency response teams, which will be responsible for monitoring and safeguarding Pakistan’s cyberspace 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.
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