In a proactive move to bolster cybersecurity defenses, the government of Pakistan has issued a total of 64 cybersecurity advisories in 2023. These advisories, strategically disseminated by the cabinet division, are designed to heighten awareness among government officials and citizens, addressing the escalating threats posed by cyberattacks.
This surge in advisory issuance reflects the government’s intensified efforts in the cybersecurity domain, with a notable increase from the 57 advisories issued in 2022. The year 2021 saw a total of 90 advisories, underscoring the growing significance of cybersecurity, while 2020 marked the initiation of a more vigilant approach with 28 advisories.
Covering a wide spectrum of cyber threats, these advisories encompassed issues such as malware, suspicious applications, activities of Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups, warnings against fraudulent links and emails, identification of vulnerabilities in various products, cautionary notes about financial scams, spoofed messages, and impersonation attempts.
Responding to the evolving cyber threat landscape, Pakistan’s government took a strategic step in 2020 by establishing the National Telecommunication and Information Security Board (NTISB) under the cabinet division. Over the past three years, NTISB has played a pivotal role in issuing timely advisories, enhancing the nation’s cybersecurity posture.
In a recent development, the government has approved the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) rules for 2023. The Ministry of IT and Telecom is actively working on notifying the establishment of the National CERT. According to the ministry, the implementation of National and Sectoral CERTs is expected to significantly improve response times to cyberattacks, ensuring a more efficient and systemic approach to cybersecurity across the country. Stay tuned for further updates on the government’s initiatives to safeguard against cyber threats.
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