In a significant development, the Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases has given its approval to the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) Rules. Reliable sources within the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication have confirmed to ProPakistani that the Cabinet Committee has greenlit the CERT Rules, marking a crucial step towards enhancing cybersecurity measures in the country. The approved rules will now be forwarded to the cabinet for final approval.
The Ministry of IT had taken the initiative to formulate these rules and extensively sought feedback from both government and private sector regulators. In order to ensure comprehensive input, the draft rules were shared with the Federal Board of Revenue, various ministries, and the banking sector. Additionally, suggestions and recommendations were actively sought from key institutions such as PEMRA, OGRA, and PTA. After incorporating the valuable feedback received, the final draft was presented to the Cabinet Committee for approval.
Officials from the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication have emphasized that the approval of these rules will pave the way for the implementation of a comprehensive strategy to combat cyber-attacks. This strategy will be deployed at the organizational level, ensuring robust protection against potential threats. Under the CERT Rules, authorities across different sectors will be required to establish dedicated computer emergency response teams, which will collaborate with and support the private sector.
A Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) comprises a group of highly skilled information security experts who are entrusted with the vital task of safeguarding organizations against cyber threats. They play a crucial role in detecting, responding to, and preventing potential security breaches.
Moreover, in accordance with the National Cyber Security Policy of 2021, plans are underway to establish a National Computer Emergency Response Team and a National Security Operation Center (nSOC). These initiatives aim to bolster the country’s defense against cyber threats. Additionally, sector-specific CERTs will be set up at the Defense, Telecom, Banking and Finance, Power, Federal, and Provincial levels. These specialized teams will work diligently to prevent cyber attacks and combat any malicious use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the digital realm.
With the approval of the CERT Rules, Pakistan takes a significant stride towards fortifying its cybersecurity infrastructure. The establishment of dedicated response teams and the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors are expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s digital landscape from potential threats.
