NTC unveils cybersecurity plan

The National Telecom Corporation (NTC) has developed a comprehensive strategy to upgrade firewalls and protect federal and provincial governments and state institutions from cyber threats.

The strategy, shared with the Ministry of IT and Telecom, outlines a national cyber defence plan for securing communications of key institutions, including the PM Secretariat, Presidency, armed forces, and sensitive defence projects.

It proposes securing telephone lines, internet data, and mobile communications through cloud-based services, artificial intelligence (AI) expansion, and public sector digitalisation.

The plan includes deploying modern firewalls and border controllers to strengthen national network security. It also aims to deliver secure, reliable IT services to all government departments.

To guard against cyberattacks, NTC will provide secure mobile phone services for high-ranking officials and sensitive institutions. These services are designed to prevent unauthorised access and interception by hostile entities.

"The secure mobile phone initiative ensures communications involving key decision-makers remain protected from cyber intrusions," the document states.

A real-time threat monitoring and management framework will also be established.

To enhance internet speed and reliability, NTC plans to introduce Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) technology for 4G services in eight major cities: Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, Attock, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, and Dera Ghazi Khan.

NTC is also strengthening protocols and internal safeguards at Islamabad's data centres by establishing secure access systems.

Additionally, the strategy calls for expanding cloud and AI capabilities nationwide, aligning with global cybersecurity trends.

To ensure uninterrupted power supply and protect infrastructure from digital threats, the plan includes solarising NTC facilities.