Interested companies have been encouraged to apply to be registered as authorized Cyber Security Audit Firms by the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT). The effort intends to increase Pakistan’s cyber defenses by guaranteeing comprehensive security assessments of the nation’s information and communication technologies. Complete compliance to business standards and information security best practices is required for registration.
The ability to do checks on security in a variety of areas, such as cloud-based solutions, hosting, IT services, and additional vital facilities, will be granted to registered businesses. The reviews will be crucial in identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring adherence to existing cybersecurity standards, strengthening the overall security stance of the country’s computer ecosystem.
Companies must meet a number of Required Basic Threshold Requirements for them to be qualified for enrollment, including the Securities and Trading Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registering needs, (FBR) taxation recognition wants, and certifications such as ISO 27001.
Businesses must also have a team of qualified specialists, have past knowledge conducting cybersecurity audits, and have an effective organizational framework that complies with global safety requirements.
High requirements for qualification must also be fulfilled through private auditors connected to the applying businesses. They must possess hacking skills, cybersecurity audit experience, and pertinent professional credentials from reputable organizations like ISACA, (ISC)2, SANS, and EC-Council. To ensure a high level of proficiency in auditing crucial ICT systems, staff members should also have diplomas in technology, engineering, or information security.
Cybersecurity Audit Firm Enrollment Guidelines
Adopting the broad guidelines established by NCERT is part of the enrollment procedure. To avoid problems of interest, firms should not outsource audits to foreign third-party assessments. They should also make sure that their information security assessments agree with national rules, such as the Republic of Pakistan Cloud Second Strategy and the National Cyber Security Policy. Additionally, businesses must keep up a solid image in the marketplace because those on governmental or private sector blacklists will not be allowed to register.
According to their finances, their experience, and the level of difficulty of the audits they are permitted to do, NCERT has divided audit companies into four levels (CAT-I through CAT-IV). While lower-tier businesses are limited to less advanced audits, firms that fulfill the most advanced category (CAT-I) are permitted to audit important suppliers.
On NCERT’s website, the final list of authorized cybersecurity auditing businesses will be posted and maintained on a regular basis. To guarantee regulation, the license will be regularly renewed.