Mushahid seeks funds for Cyber Security Strategy

June 26, 2013 RECORDER REPORT

After disclosure that secret agencies of America have intercepted Pakistan's secret information, the Chairman Senate Standing Committee for Defence, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed held meeting with a delegation of Pakistan Information Security Association headed by Ammar Jaffri here on Tuesday to discuss Cyber Security Strategy.

Mushahid proposed that given the security threat posed by snooping and spying by the US through their secret agencies such as CIA and NSA, especially of Pakistan which is the second highest in their list of countries being spied online, funds should be allocated in the budget for a Cyber Security Strategy since Pakistan is a victim of Cyber warfare and Cyber aggression. This should be entrusted to a Cyber Security task force, specially constituted for the purpose that can propose counter measures. Its Secretariat should be in the Ministry of IT. The proposal was unanimously adopted.

In the meeting, it was decided to work together for the Cyber Security of Defence, economy and citizens and to hold a seminar to promote awareness about Cyber Crime and its security. A Policy Seminar will be held at Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) on July 8, 2013.

It was decided to lay a Private Bill in National Assembly and Senate on August 14, 2013. The said draft bill will be prepared with mutual consultation and prior to that, Pakistan Information Security Association will prepare a report on the said subject. It was also decided that Pakistan Information Security Association (PISA) will prepare the draft of Cyber Security Policy Strategy. Mushahid desired that PISA team having required skill sets and experience must come forward and play its due role in implementing global best practices to protect the Cyber Space as per International standards. He said that since Pakistan doesn't have any Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), so having required experience PISA may help Senate Defence Committee to establish Pakistan National CERT. PISA Team offered all technical support.-PR

Saturday, June 29, 2013