Cyber Security: Where Does Pakistan Stand?

Abstract

“The art of war” is an ever-changing phenomenon and a process as to how, when and where to engage the enemy. Globally a relatively newer threat is evolving not only for states but also for the private profit driven world. Billions of dollars are illegally transferred or stolen, privacies exposed, state secrets acquired and critical public infrastructure hacked. This is the realm of cyber security. As the world becomes more and more connected via internet or digitized through information technology, the cyber security threats are increasing day by day. Pakistan is no exception to it. A nuclear state with an important geopolitical position is increasingly exposed to such threats in the cyber realm. So are the business sector and the private work. Pakistan has a large internet users’ base, an increasing digitized security apparatus as well as banking system, which depend on internet connectivity. Pakistan has also incorporated laws to tackle threat emanating from cyber- attacks, which do not seem to cover the threats in depth and wholeness. As threats evolve and come from varied foes and adversaries, we must continuously assess them and make necessary modification and rectifications in our strategy. In this perspective, the study assesses Pakistan’s cyber space, identify threats and make recommendations to eliminate those threats. It further discusses Pakistan’s legal development on the subject and the way forward.