Securing Pakistan's Cyberspace Cyber Counter Intelligence Strengths, Weaknesses and Strategies

Abstract

Cyberspace is fundamental in the contemporary world for economies, societies and politics. It has many advantages with plenty of disadvantages. The evolution of digital technology in Pakistan has given advancement and improved investment in information technology but it has also instigated numerous cyber threats to national security, economic grounds and infrastructure. These threats are not straightforward and as a result, a strong and more importantly integrated strategy for Critical Cyber Infrastructure (CCI) is necessary. Before embarking on the recommendations, this research aims to describe the current state of CCI in Pakistan and the key involved. They take into consideration weak points in essential infrastructures, the problems of data security and other matters of concern in the growing threat domain. One of the key findings of the study relates to the need to integrate other governments, companies and intelligence organizations to deal with these cyber threats. CCI has been developed in Pakistan to some extent; however, there are significantly vulnerable areas. Terminated businesses like electricity, finance and telecom face this problem because their technology is old and security is inadequate. While Pakistan has recently adopted legislation on the protection of personal data, the country is not very efficient when it comes to implementing such legislation. Therefore, eradicating these problems from the roots of Pakistan requires a comprehensive and multiple-faceted strategy that requires changes in policies, people, technology and international cooperation. The essence of the present paper is the proposition that if Pakistan has a CCI plan that is progressive synchronistic and comprehensive, it can safeguard its strategic assets and serve the safety of its economy and the nation’s security from the threats posed by the Information Age.