Pakistan’s National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) chairman, Tauseef H Farooqi, is urging all power companies to implement cyber security regulations. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the potential for cyberattacks to disrupt operations, cause financial losses, and decrease system resilience.
Farooqi’s call to action came during the first-ever Operational Technology (OT) Cyber Security Conference (OTCSEC) in Karachi. The event, organized by ACET Solutions, a leading provider of automation and cyber security solutions for critical infrastructure companies, brought together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to address the growing threat of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure.
President Arif Alvi underscored the national significance of cyber security in a virtual keynote address. He stressed the importance of investing in skills development and empowering young people to safeguard critical infrastructure.
The conference arrived at a critical juncture for Pakistan, following a nationwide power outage in January suspected to be caused by a foreign hacking group. This incident exposed the vulnerability of the country’s critical infrastructure and served as a wake-up call for heightened cyber security measures.
Speakers, including Fahad Faisal, Business Development Manager for Fortinet Middle East, emphasized the necessity of collaboration. Faisal called for forging public-private partnerships to drive innovation and collaboration in developing robust cyber security solutions.
ACET Solutions, the region’s largest OT security services provider, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan in protecting its critical infrastructure. The conference served as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, aiming to equip stakeholders with the best practices and solutions to strengthen Pakistan’s OT/ICS security posture.
