Pakistan Computer Emergency Response Team Explained

Pakistan Computer Emergency Response Team (PKCERT)
Abbreviation:PKCERT
Formation:October 12, 2023
Type:Governmental organization
Status:Active
Purpose:Cybersecurity
Location:Pakistan
Region Served:Pakistan
Parent Organization:Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT)

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

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 ever-emerging threats and hacking. Attempt to target 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

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]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Pakistan's first national 'Computer Emergency Response Team' established. Web. Desk. October 12, 2023. Hum NEWS.
  2. Web site: 2021-11-07 . IT ministry to form CERT to counter cyber attacks . 2023-11-29 . Daily Times . en-US.
  3. Web site: IT ministry to form CERT to counter cyber attacks. November 2, 2021.
  4. Web site: Cabinet approves Computer Emergency Response Teams Rule 2023: Amin. July 17, 2023. The Nation.
  5. Web site: CERT Rules, 2023 notified to bolster cyber security defences. Tahir. Amin. October 13, 2023. Brecorder.
  6. Web site: Fortifying cybersecurity: Pakistan's CERT Rules 2023 and their implications. www.ibanet.org.