Pakistan’s National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) is urging the energy sector to bolster its cybersecurity defenses in the face of growing cyber threats. Nepra Chairman, Tauseef Farooqi, addressed a session on “Cyber Security Challenges in Critical Infrastructure (Power Sector)” highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyberattacks.
Farooqi highlighted the concerning rise in cyber incidents targeting the energy sector globally. He pointed out the unique challenges faced by the power industry due to geographically dispersed power plants and the interconnectedness of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems.
“Cybersecurity incidents are no longer isolated events. They target the weakest link in the entire power ecosystem, not just individual players in the supply chain.”
The session, co-organized by TechAccess Pakistan and RTA, aimed to raise awareness about cybersecurity risks among public and private sector energy entities. It brought together power sector professionals, industry representatives, and Nepra members.
Farooqi called for the development of a comprehensive cybersecurity governance model to address these challenges and safeguard critical infrastructure. He compared cyberspace to a “21st-century warzone,” emphasizing the urgency of taking action.
Nepra’s concerns are echoed by Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Tariq Malik. Malik described the recent rise in cyberattacks as a costly “digital pandemic” that has become a persistent threat. He pointed to the increasing frequency of cyber incidents targeting various industrial technologies around the world.
