Provinces asked to set up cybersecurity teams

ISLAMABAD: In a proactive move to enhance cybersecurity nationwide, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications has urged all four provincial governments to set up Provincial Computer Emergency Response Teams (PCERTs).

This initiative aligns with the recent notification establishing the national CERT, demonstrating the government’s commitment to strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure across the country.

According to sources, provincial governments have been instructed to designate a specific department for forming PCERTs.

Prior to establishment, provincial authorities will notify the federal government of the designated department and seek approval to commence operations.

Once approved, each provincial government’s designated department will work diligently to set up the PCERT, adhering to CERT regulations.

These provincial CERTs will operate as sectoral CERTs, maintaining close coordination with the national CERT through the government CERT.

The mandate of provincial CERTs includes safeguarding digital assets of provincial public sector entities, including autonomous and semi-autonomous organizations under provincial jurisdiction.

They will be responsible for threat detection, advanced threat analysis, issuing alerts, managing vulnerabilities, and responding to and recovering from incidents promptly.

Provincial CERTs will conduct comprehensive investigations, analysis, forensics, and malware detection, taking proactive measures to effectively mitigate cybersecurity risks.