Pakistan Computer Emergency Response Team

Pakistan Computer Emergency Response Team (PKCERT)
AbbreviationPKCERT
FormationOctober 12, 2023
TypeGovernment agency
Legal statusActive
PurposeCybersecurity
Location
  • Pakistan
Region served
Pakistan
Director General
Dr. Haider Abbas
Parent organisation
Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT)
WebsitePKCERT Website

Pakistan Computer Emergency Response Team (PKCERT) is a national initiative aimed at strengthening cyber security in Pakistan. PKCERT was established to counter the growing cyber threats and hacking attempts targeting various public sector entities.

History

[edit]

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) on 12 October 2023 announced the formation of the country's first National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT).[1] The development was aimed at keeping Pakistan's cyberspace safe from emerging threats and hacking attempts targeting public sector institutions.[2][3]

The Federal Cabinet of Pakistan approved the Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) Rule 2023 on 17 July 2023.[4] The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication officially notified the CERT Rules on 13 October 2023.[5]

Role and responsibilities

[edit]

The primary objective of these CERT teams at both the national and sectoral levels is to enhance Pakistan's overall cyber security posture and resilience.[2][3] CERTs are responsible for protecting against, detecting and responding to cyber security incidents, and will enhance the country's capacity to manage cyber security incidents.[6] The recently established CERT team is assigned to create a national framework that will manage responses to threats, assaults on vital infrastructure, information systems, data, or extensive breaches of information systems throughout Pakistan.[1]

Founding Director General / Head of Pakistan's CERT

[edit]

Dr. Haider Abbas, an eminent professor from the National University of Sciences and Technology, has been designated as the founding Director General of Pakistan's National Cyber Emergency Response Team.[7]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Desk, Web (12 October 2023). "Pakistan's first national 'Computer Emergency Response Team' established". Hum NEWS. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  2. ^ a b "IT ministry to form CERT to counter cyber attacks". Daily Times. 7 November 2021. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  3. ^ a b "IT ministry to form CERT to counter cyber attacks". 2 November 2021.
  4. ^ "Cabinet approves Computer Emergency Response Teams Rule 2023: Amin". The Nation. 17 July 2023.
  5. ^ Amin, Tahir (13 October 2023). "CERT Rules, 2023 notified to bolster cyber security defences". Brecorder.
  6. ^ "Fortifying cybersecurity: Pakistan's CERT Rules 2023 and their implications". www.ibanet.org.
  7. ^ https://nust.edu.pk/news/prof-dr-haider-abbas-to-lead-pakistans-national-cybersecurity/