The Higher Education Commission (HEC) will engage the National Centre for Cyber Security (NCCS) to conduct cybersecurity audits across Pakistani universities, a strategic initiative to fortify the digital infrastructure of the nation”s higher education sector. This decision was announced as the NCCS, despite developing market-ready security products, confronts significant challenges in business development and international competitiveness.
During a progress review meeting at Air University today, the NCCS team presented an overview of its achievements, revealing the development of 62 distinct products. Of these, ten have been successfully validated by the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (PKCERT) and are now prepared for market deployment.
Air Marshal (R) Abdul Moeed Khan, Vice Chancellor of Air University, highlighted the hurdles faced by the Centre and its affiliated laboratories. He identified difficulties in business development, gaining visibility, and competing at national and international levels as primary concerns, emphasising that cyber security is a critical domain of modern warfare.
The Vice Chancellor proposed a forward-looking strategy centred on enhancing public-private partnerships and establishing avenues for the commercialisation of research outputs, crucial for the organisation”s sustainability and growth.
Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Chairman of the HEC, commended the NCCS for its contributions to advancing national security. He reaffirmed the commission”s continued support and directed the Vice Chancellor to actively oversee the performance of affiliated labs to ensure their functionality and productivity.
The Chairman further committed that the NCCS’s expertise would be formally utilised to enhance institutional resilience and safeguard critical digital assets across the higher education landscape.
The briefing was attended by Project Director NCCS Dr. Ghalib Asadullah Shah and delegates from the Centre’s affiliated laboratories across the country.