ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is taking steps to strengthen cybersecurity across its digital infrastructure.
The regulator plans to install an advanced Cyber Threat Management Platform. The system will improve PTA’s ability to detect and respond to growing cyber risks.
PTA has started the procurement process for the new platform. The system is expected to become operational within three to four months.
The platform will continuously monitor cyber risks at local and global levels. It will help the authority detect emerging threats and security concerns in real time.
The planned system will offer 34 major cybersecurity capabilities. These include External Attack Surface Management and Digital Risk Protection.
It will also provide cyber threat intelligence and security ratings. Other features include risk monitoring, visual analytics and global situational awareness.
The platform will monitor newly discovered critical vulnerabilities. It will also track changes to externally visible digital systems.
This monitoring will include DNS records and open or closed network ports. Such information can help identify potential weaknesses before they are exploited.
Monitoring Data Leaks and Digital Impersonation
The system will monitor data leaks and compromised credentials across the surface, deep and dark web. This will give PTA broader visibility into potential security incidents.
The platform will also protect the digital identities of PTA and its senior officials. It will detect cybersquatting, look-alike domains and malicious websites.
These websites could attempt to impersonate the telecom regulator or its officials. The system will support takedown measures and incident response after detecting such threats.
PTA will also monitor cyber risks linked to its licensees and customers. Other stakeholders and third-party entities will also come under the monitoring system.
The platform will generate security ratings and cybersecurity risk scorecards. It will also identify connections between domains, IP addresses and digital assets.
Geolocation links between digital assets will also be tracked. Major external service providers will be monitored for possible security breaches.
Cyber Threat Intelligence and Alerts
The planned system will provide detailed Cyber Threat intelligence. It will cover both current and historical attack tactics, techniques and procedures.
The platform will track attack patterns, tools, vulnerabilities and indicators of compromise. It will also monitor major regional and international threat campaigns.
PTA will receive near real-time information about cyber trends. Industry developments and security advisories relevant to Pakistan will also be monitored.
The system will generate alerts when PTA or related entities appear in cyber news. Alerts may also be triggered by claims from threat actors.
Integration and Continuous Support
The platform will include customizable dashboards and reporting tools. These features will allow PTA to review cybersecurity information more effectively.
It will integrate with at least three major global cloud platforms. Support for additional local cloud providers will also be included.
The system will connect with established Security Information and Event Management solutions. It will also provide round-the-clock support, maintenance and software updates.
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Training will be included as part of the platform’s support services. The initiative is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s ability to identify and manage a Cyber Threat across the telecom sector.
