The federal government has begun forming a Federal Computer Emergency Response Team (Federal CERT) to strengthen cybersecurity across government institutions and protect critical digital systems from cyberattacks.
The National CERT has started recruiting a director and cybersecurity specialists for the new body. The team will operate under the cybersecurity framework established through the Computer Emergency Response Team Rules, 2023.
Federal CERT to Cover Government Institutions
The Federal CERT will handle cybersecurity incidents involving federal ministries, divisions, departments and other government organisations.
Its responsibilities will also extend to autonomous and semi-autonomous public-sector bodies dealing with federal matters.
The new body will operate as a Sectoral CERT under the National CERT through the Government CERT. It will coordinate cybersecurity efforts between federal institutions and improve the exchange of information about emerging threats.
Team to Monitor and Respond to Threats
The Federal CERT will monitor digital networks for potential threats and coordinate responses when cyber incidents occur.
Its duties will include security audits, vulnerability assessments, malware analysis and incident response. It will also help affected institutions recover their systems after cyberattacks.
The government plans to establish a dedicated Security Operations Centre (SOC) under the Federal CERT. Cybersecurity professionals will continuously monitor federal digital infrastructure and identify suspicious activity.
The initiative is designed to create a more coordinated response system as government services increasingly depend on digital platforms.
One-Hour Cyber Incident Reporting Rule
Under the existing rules, federal institutions must report cybersecurity incidents to their Sectoral CERT and the National CERT within one hour of detection.
The authorities will also compile information about cybersecurity compliance and reported incidents. These details will be submitted to the Prime Minister twice a year.
The Federal CERT is expected to provide a central mechanism for protecting federal digital infrastructure and coordinating responses to cyber threats.
