Pakistan on high alert over possible cyber attacks ahead of Defence Day

ISLAMABAD: The National Cyber Emergency Response Team has issued important cybersecurity instructions in the wake of potential cyber attacks during Defence Day.

The National CERT has instructed important institutions to set up special cybersecurity control rooms from September 5 to 7.

The sectoral and provincial CERTs have also been instructed to stay vigilant, while the critical information infrastructure organizations have been directed to prepare for any potential cyber attack.

The National Security Operations Centre (NSOC) will function as the national cyber coordination centre during Defence Day and will stay functional 24 hours a day to monitor the cyber situation and share important information.

The National CERT has instructed institutions to monitor continuously the important networks, systems, websites and digital services. In case of any major cyber incident, suspicious activity or potential security breach, an immediate report has been sought.

Institutions have also been instructed to coordinate with the NSOC for cyber threat intelligence sharing and coordinated response for the incidents which have affected the national digital infrastructure.

Data centres and security operations centres have been directed to ensure alternative internet connectivity and power backup arrangements.