Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecom has taken a significant step towards bolstering national cybersecurity with the formation of a CERT Council. This initiative aligns with the recently enacted National Computer Emergency Team Rules 2023.
The CERT Council, envisioned as the country’s premier cybersecurity forum, will comprise 15 members. It will feature representatives from key government ministries including Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Interior, ensuring broad-based collaboration. The Federal Secretary of IT and Telecom will head the council, facilitating communication and cooperation among stakeholders.
Uniquely, the council will incorporate diverse perspectives by including representatives from academia, industry, and civil society. This approach empowers the council to address cybersecurity challenges from a multi-faceted angle. Furthermore, the council has the flexibility to co-opt additional members on a temporary or permanent basis, seeking specialized expertise for specific situations.
The establishment of the CERT Council signifies a major advancement in strengthening Pakistan’s cybersecurity infrastructure. This forum will serve as a central hub for consultation and guidance, supporting CERTs at all levels in their critical functions. These functions include conducting security assessments, resolving conflicts, and coordinating responses to cyber threats.
This initiative follows the recent establishment of the National Computer Emergency Response Team (nCERT) by the Pakistani government. This move further streamlines national cybersecurity efforts under a unified framework.
