The Ministry of IT and Telecommunications has taken a proactive approach to enhance cybersecurity nationwide by urging all four provincial governments to establish Provincial Computer Emergency Response Teams (PCERTs). This initiative aligns with the recent notification of the establishment of the National CERT, emphasizing the government’s dedication to strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure throughout the country.
According to sources, provincial governments have received directives to designate specific departments responsible for forming PCERTs. It is emphasized that provincial authorities will inform the federal government about the designated department before proceeding with establishment, seeking approval to commence operations.
Once approved, each provincial government’s designated department will actively work towards establishing the PCERT, adhering to CERT rules and 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. Moreover, they will play a crucial role in threat detection, advanced threat analysis, issuing alerts and warnings, managing vulnerabilities, and promptly responding to and recovering from incidents.
Simultaneously, Provincial CERTs will conduct comprehensive investigations, analysis, forensics, and malware detection, implementing proactive measures to effectively mitigate cybersecurity risks.
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