ISSI seminar stresses need to safeguard national digital assets

Technology

ISSI seminar stresses need to safeguard national digital assets

Growing reliance on cyberspace

Published On: Tue, 25 Feb 2025

00:52:15 PKT

ISLAMABAD (APP) – The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), hosted a seminar on “Navigating the Cyber Frontier: Governance and Security in a Global Digital Commons” to underscore the commonalities and differences between cyberspace and other global commons by exploring potential threats to national and international security arising from or through cyberspace.

Secretary, IT & Telecommunication, Government of Pakistan Zarrar Hasham Khan was the keynote speaker.

Zarrar Hasham Khan, in his keynote address, underscored the transformative impact of industrial revolutions on global power dynamics, highlighting the emergence of data sovereignty as a critical aspect of national security.

He emphasized the evolving nature of threats in an increasingly globalized world, necessitating robust digital governance frameworks.

He further stressed the need for economic protection, advocating a shift from conventional strategic alliances to a comprehensive framework centered on data security.

He highlighted that safeguarding national digital assets is imperative for long-term stability and resilience. While discussing critical infrastructure, he cautioned against the vulnerabilities posed by large-scale internet disruptions and emphasized the importance of proactive measures to enhance cybersecurity, ensuring national resilience in an era where digital connectivity is integral to governance, economic security, and strategic stability.

DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his welcome remarks, underscored the growing cyber threats, including cyber warfare, espionage, and cybercrime, highlighting the urgent need for robust governance structures.

Earlier, in his introductory remarks, Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director ACDC, underscored the growing reliance on cyberspace and its profound impact on national security.

Air Marshal Zahid Mahmood elaborated on “Cybersecurity and National Security.”

Dr Mehreen Afzal shared her insights on “Cybersecurity as a Global Common” and underscored the escalating cyber challenges confronting the nation.

Dr. Saadia Zahoor exploring “Cyber Governance and International Law” emphasized that cyberspace, as a global domain, challenges traditional notions of state sovereignty, with cyber threats transcending borders and impacting national security, critical infrastructure, and economic stability.

Javaid Iqbal while discussing “Cyber Threat Landscape & Readiness Imperatives for Pakistan” emphasized that AI has become a double-edged sword, amplifying cyber threats through sophisticated phishing attacks, AI-driven disinformation campaigns, and advanced hacking techniques.

Chairman BOG Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, in his vote of thanks, highlighted the unprecedented pace of technological advancements. 

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