ISLAMABAD: “Cybersecurity is national priority, for survival of nation and we must invest in skills and young people to protect our civilisation”.

President Dr Arif Alvi inaugurating Pakistan’s first OT Cybersecurity Conference here in video-link address underlined significance of OT cybersecurity as national priority for survival of nation. “OT/ICS Cybersecurity is national priority, for survival of nation, and we must invest in skills and young people to protect our civilisation,” he said.

Tauseef Farooqi Chairman of National Electric Power Regulatory Authority highlighted urgency of situation, stating, “NEPRA’S OT/IT Cybersecurity regulation 2022 must be applied by all power sector companies in 2023”. He stressed that regulation would help Pakistan’s power sector companies become more resilient to cyber-attacks, reduce operational downtime and prevent losses.

Fahad Faisal Fortinet BDM, Middle East expressed support for Pakistan’s growth in cybersecurity resilience, highlighting role of private sector in advancing OT cybersecurity. He emphasised need for public-private partnerships to drive innovation and collaboration in cybersecurity solutions.

Mubarik Mustafa Chief Consultant of ACET Solutions reiterated company’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s journey in protecting critical infrastructure as largest OT Security services company in region. ACET Solutions provides automation, cybersecurity.

ACET Solutions hosted Pakistan’s first conference on need to cyber-secure nation’s OT (Operational Technology). Operational Technology is systems that control physical equipment in electricity grids, water plants, oil and gas plants, mining, manufacturing, transportation and other critical infrastructure or industry.

Speakers from world’s largest OT Cybersecurity technology vendors, such as Fortinet stressed need for Pakistan’s ‘Operational Technology’ to be secured and warned that lack of cybersecurity would result in shutdowns or even worse, human injury.

Nationwide electricity black out in January claimed to have allegedly been an attack by foreign hacking group was highlighted by President and various speakers as wake-up call for OT Cybersecurity in Pakistan.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 20 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.