In an effort to improve cybersecurity across the country, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications has urged the establishment of Provincial Computer Emergency Response Teams (PCERTs) by each of the four province governments.
Concurrent with this action is the announcement of the National CERT’s formation, demonstrating the government’s resolve to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure across the country.
According to reports, the province governments are in charge of assigning a certain department to handle PCERT establishment. It is stressed that in order to request permission to start operations, the provincial authorities would properly notify the federal government about the chosen department before moving further with the formation.
Following approval, each province government’s assigned department will work hard to establish the PCERT in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CERT rules. Through the Government CERT, the province CERTs will act as sectoral CERTs and keep tight communication with the National CERT.
Protecting the digital assets of provincial public sector organizations, including independent and semi-autonomous groups under provincial control, is part of the role of the provincial CERT. These CERTs will be essential in controlling vulnerabilities, detecting threats, doing advanced threat analysis, sending out alerts and warnings, and quickly responding to and recovering from incidents.
