Framework for the Development of Computer Emergency Response Team in Pakistan

Abstract

The current dynamic development in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has posed various threats to critical infrastructure of the government and private sectors across the world. To mitigate the occurrence of cyberattacks, there is a need for coordinated and centralized response from the state. Pakistan, due to several factors (such as it’s nukes, strategic location and prevailing terrorism) is in dire need of a national Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) to tackle the issue at first hand. In this paper, we have discussed Pakistan’s major cybersecurity issues and highlighted the importance of CERT in tackling them. We propose a high level strategy for developing CERT for Pakistan which will work at national level.The framework is divided into six major steps which range from awareness to professional development.