According to details, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched the initiative to modernize its cybersecurity infrastructure and protect critical national systems from potential cyberattacks.
PTA's official document revealed that the project’s estimated cost ranges between Rs. 40 million and Rs. 120 million, depending on the firewall model, subscription period, and overall scope of deployment. The upgraded system will provide PTA with stronger network visibility, control, and resilience against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats targeting Pakistan’s telecom and digital networks.
The renewal plan involves upgrading network security systems at PTA Headquarters and all regional offices. The project includes:
- Procurement and installation of next-generation firewalls (NGFWs)
- Renewal of software licenses
- Integration with PTA’s data centers and monitoring units
Also Read:
These next-generation systems will feature intrusion prevention, web filtering, malware detection, VPN protection, and SSL inspection, providing comprehensive defense against unauthorized access and cyberattacks.
The new infrastructure will include centralized management consoles for network control, along with active-passive failover configurations to ensure uninterrupted services.
PTA also plans to link the new firewall system with National CERT’s threat intelligence framework, allowing real-time sharing of data on potential cyber incidents and coordinated response measures.
The project will be executed in multiple phases, covering:
- Assessment of the current network setup
- Procurement and installation of new hardware
- Configuration, testing, and staff training
A post-deployment maintenance phase that guarantees 24/7 vendor support and continuous security updates for the next three to five years.
