LAHORE:In view of the possible cyber attacks on the telecom system, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Friday has issued an important warning and introduced new guidelines to strengthen security.
The statement issued by the PTA said that the country’s telecom sector is the backbone of digital transformation, e-governance, financial system and national security. In the event of any major cyber attack, the communication system can be severely affected, which is likely to paralyze important national services.
The authority pointed out that the systems of many telecom companies are still relying on old technology, which is causing an increase in security risks. In view of this situation, the companies have been instructed to adopt modern global standards of network security.
The PTA has specifically emphasized the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-based detection and response systems to enable timely identification and effective remediation of potential threats.
Under the new guidelines, telecom companies have been directed to implement systems to detect and block DDoS attacks within the next six months, while these systems should be integrated with the National Computer Emergency Response Team (National CERT) within a year.
The PTA says that ensuring uninterrupted provision of telecom services is imperative and the aim of these measures is to secure and stabilize the country’s digital infrastructure.