The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has identified major gaps in Pakistan’s national cybersecurity system and submitted several recommendations to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology.

The agency highlighted concerns over the transfer of sensitive personal data belonging to government officials to foreign entities. It also warned that Pakistan currently lacks an effective system for monitoring cyberattacks at the national level and providing timely warnings about emerging threats.

NCCIA Flags Cybersecurity Gaps After Sensitive Government Data Sent to Foreign Entities

According to the NCCIA, several basic challenges remain in the country’s cybersecurity framework despite ongoing efforts to deal with cyber incidents.

Lack of National Cyber Threat Monitoring System

The NCCIA said there is currently no effective mechanism to provide timely information about cyber threats targeting critical information infrastructure across different sectors.

Security monitoring of critical infrastructure is being handled through Security Operations Centers (SOCs) established by relevant regulators and organizations. However, the agency does not currently have direct access to a centralized national threat intelligence platform or dashboard.

The lack of a coordinated system for sharing cyber threat information limits Pakistan’s ability to issue early warnings and coordinate responses to cyberattacks.

The NCCIA has therefore recommended strengthening cyber intelligence sharing among sectoral regulators, critical infrastructure operators and Security Operations Centers.

The agency said better intelligence sharing could significantly improve Pakistan’s ability to prevent cyberattacks and respond to incidents.

Common Security Standards Recommended

The NCCIA has recommended making common cybersecurity standards mandatory for government institutions. It also called for a coordinated system for sharing cyber intelligence across government departments and other critical organizations.

The agency said a uniform security framework could help government institutions improve their defenses against cyber threats and reduce vulnerabilities caused by different security practices.

It also recommended encrypting government databases and strengthening network boundaries to prevent unauthorized access.

According to the NCCIA, intrusion detection systems should also be installed on ministry servers to identify suspicious activity and possible cyber intrusions at an early stage.

Mandatory Cybersecurity Training for Government Employees

The agency has recommended making cybersecurity training mandatory for government employees.

The NCCIA said employees handling government information systems should receive appropriate training to identify and respond to cyber threats. Such training could help reduce risks linked to phishing, unauthorized access, data leaks and other cyber incidents.

The agency also noted that it currently lacks sufficient authority and technical infrastructure to prevent all types of future cybersecurity breaches.

NCCIA to Investigate Criminal Cyber Breaches

The NCCIA has proposed that the government implement security standards across all public institutions.

The agency said that even when recommended security measures are in place, criminal cyber breaches can still occur. In such cases, the NCCIA will investigate incidents involving criminal activity.

The agency stressed that cyber threats remain a real and serious risk for Pakistan.

It also said it has successfully dismantled an active cyber trafficking network. Investigations into the network’s overseas connections are still underway.

The NCCIA’s recommendations highlight the need for stronger coordination between government institutions, regulators and cybersecurity teams. A centralized threat intelligence system, common security standards, stronger technical defenses and mandatory employee training could help improve Pakistan’s overall cyber resilience.