Tech

PTA unveils five-year plan to boost cyber security, digital infrastructure

Published

11 months ago

Farwa

NTCSS aims to improve the digital resilience of the telecom sector.
Roadmap stresses multi-stakeholder route, improved collaboration.
Cyber resilience, capacity building key pillars of the five-year plan.

With the aim to boost the country’s cyber security capacity and increase digital resilience, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Tuesday issued its five-year Cyber Security Strategy 2023-2028 to ensure increased protection of the telecom sector against cyber threats.

The strategy aims to mitigate the potential impact of cyberattacks that pose a threat to Pakistan’s national security, economy and public services by improving cyber security awareness and education, investing in cyber security research and development, and collaborating with a range of partners, both in the public and private sectors.

The National Telecom Cyber Security Strategy (NTCSS) strives towards increasing the resilience of existing telecom infrastructure against cyberattacks.

This strategy is a significant step in the implementation of the National Cyber Security Policy – 2021, and marks a monumental stride towards bolstering #digital security in the country’s rapidly evolving #telecom sector. pic.twitter.com/uuNEtIvKIO
— PTA (@PTAofficialpk) December 12, 2023

Based on six foundational pillars, each targeting a specific aspect of cyber security, such as legal framework, cyber resilience, proactive monitoring and incident response, capacity building, cooperation and collaboration, and public awareness, PTA’s five-year plan reflects a holistic approach towards achieving a secure digital infrastructure in the country.

Stressing a multi-stakeholder approach, the roadmap aims to foster active collaboration between public and private sectors, regulatory bodies, telecom operators, private security firms, academia, and civil society with an inclusive strategy aiming to create a united and comprehensive front against cyber threats.

Apart from strengthening cybersecurity, the PTA also aims to address capacity-building issues by creating a technically skilled workforce and managing the existing “brain drain” that the country is witnessing due to the increased global demand for cybersecurity professionals.

The regulatory body aims to collaborate with key stakeholders such as industry experts, academia, and government organizations, with efforts focusing on building domestic talent pipelines through professional training.

The PTA has also directed all its licensees to set up a dedicated CISO office with the necessary manpower and appointment of a C-level security officer (CISO) to ensure due importance to the cyber security in their organization and to improve recruitment/retention of talented cyber security resources.

With regard to bringing cyber awareness to the masses, the policy provisions the utilisation of digital mediums and services of telecom operators to educate the people regarding cyber incidents, their targets, processes and mitigations to mobile phone users.

The body also aims to work with telecom operators and educational institutions and plans to introduce relevant material into the national curriculum to bring awareness to the masses on the issue of cybersecurity.

Latest News

Pakistan declares AI chatbots to be dangers to security.

Published

3 days ago

Farwa

The National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) has released a security advisory concerning the increasing utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, emphasizing potential hazards related to the exposing of private data.

The recommendation recognizes that AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, have gained significant popularity for personal and professional duties owing to their capacity to improve productivity and engagement. Nonetheless, the CERT cautions that these AI systems frequently retain sensitive information, so posing a danger of data breaches.

Engagements with AI chatbots may encompass sensitive information, such as corporate strategy, personal dialogues, or confidential correspondence, which could be compromised if inadequately safeguarded. The warning emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive cybersecurity framework to alleviate concerns associated with AI chatbot utilization.

Users are advised against inputting critical information into AI chatbots and are encouraged to deactivate any chat-saving functionalities to mitigate the danger of unwanted data access. The CERT additionally advises performing routine system security checks and employing monitoring tools to identify any anomalous behavior from AI chatbots.

Organizations are urged to adopt rigorous security protocols to safeguard against possible data breaches resulting from AI-driven interactions.

Latest News

Unlawful VPNs: Terrorists Utilize Unregistered VPNs to Disseminate Propaganda

Published

4 days ago

Farwa

Terrorists utilize illicit VPNs to disseminate propaganda and misinformation while concealing their identities.

Several accounts have been uncovered and are under investigation.

The cessation of non-registered VPNs is crucial for the nation’s economy.

The PTA is blocking illegal URLs and websites disseminating objectionable material upon verification.

Forensic investigations of websites have yielded startling results.

Disseminating erroneous information is more facile using unregistered VPNs.

Terrorists were exploiting these unverified VPNs.

Latest News

Air University Holds A Revolutionary Event For Students Focusing On Cybersecurity

Published

4 days ago

Farwa

Air Marshal (R) Asad Lodhi has praised the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, an initiative by the Air University and Higher Education Commission that aims to train future cyber security experts and pioneers. At the opening ceremony of the two-day Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which took place at Air University in Islamabad, he was the chief guest.
Showdown challenges, the Ideas Cup, and the Pakistan Crypt Challenge are all part of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which lasts for two days.

Air Marshal (R) Abdul Moeed Khan, VC of Air University, made a speech praising the cyber security abilities of Pakistani youth, saying that they are among the best in the world and will help the country face cyber threats. A haven for cyber security excellence, he said, Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge 2024. Additionally, he praised the Air University for its innovative and outstanding work in this area.
At the inaugural ceremony of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, Dr. Zia Ul Qayyum, executive director of the Higher Education Commission, also spoke to the crowd. He discussed how HEC has created a welcoming atmosphere and helped facilitate projects such as the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge.
As part of the inauguration event, an MoU was also signed. Guests and participants were given souvenirs as the opening ceremony came to a close.