SECP launches cybersecurity operations centre to strengthen threat detection

Profit by Pakistan Today reported that the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has opened a Security Operations Center to bolster its defences against cyber threats. The centre will watch the regulator's network hardware, servers, user devices and cloud setups without a break. A Tuesday statement said the goal is to protect critical data and keep operations resilient.

The centre is also meant to back the regulator's planned role as a sectoral CERT and SOC, and SECP intends to connect the security centres of Capital Markets Institutions through a shared framework for threat intelligence. Karandaaz Pakistan financed the facility while acting as implementing agency for the FCDO, with Inara Technologies Pakistan enabling the project and REWTERZ supporting it under a managed services contract. SECP said the operations will run in line with globally accepted security norms and best practices.

Separately, NADRA Chairman Lieutenant General Muhammad Munir Afsar inaugurated the centre and stressed the need to build cybersecurity capacity. In a separate meeting, SECP Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu briefed him on IT reforms, infrastructure upgrades and the use of artificial intelligence, aimed at smoother regulatory services and easier business.