In order to continuously monitor and secure Pakistan’s cyberspace, the government has decided to form National Computer Emergency Response Teams, or NCERT.
In this context, the Ministry of Information and Technology’s summary for the establishment of NCERT u/s of the prevention of Electronic Crimes 2016 and CERT rules 2023 will be discussed by the Federal Cabinet on Friday.
According to sources, the Ministry of IT-funded National CERT would work closely with different Sectoral CERT teams to ensure prompt support when required.
The CERT rules were approved by the Pakistani government in 2023. They lay out a working mechanism in the form of technical support, operational facilities, and capacity-building services, and they provide a legislative umbrella to handle the constantly evolving cyber-security risks and vulnerabilities at the national, sectoral, and organisational levels.
To help with the actual application of these regulations, the National Security Operations Centre will also be built in accordance with the authorised CERT guidelines.
The council will be made up of delegates from the Ministry of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Cabinet Division, as well as members from other government agencies, with the Secretary of IT serving as chairman. In addition, representatives from the National Security Division, the telecom industry, business, academia, and civil society will be on the council.
The CERT effort aims to improve Pakistan’s cyber security measures, avoid future cyber risks to the nation’s data, and provide quick reactions in case of cyber-attacks, according to a recent announcement made by caretaker IT Minister Dr. Umar Saif.
In accordance with these regulations, Pakistan will set up Computer Emergency Response Teams at the National and Sectoral levels. These teams would be in charge of keeping an eye on and protecting Pakistan’s cyberspace around-the-clock, even on holidays.