The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is taking a major step to secure its digital networks by launching a full-scale Cyber Security Audit and Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing (VAPT). The move comes amid growing global cyber threats, as PTA seeks to protect its critical systems, sensitive national data, and public-facing services. Qualified firms have been invited to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) to help identify and fix potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
This PTA initiative signals a serious push to strengthen Pakistan’s cybersecurity framework. Officials say the audit will cover PTA’s entire IT ecosystem, including networks, databases, applications, and cloud systems. Both internal and external vulnerabilities will be tested, simulating real-world cyberattacks to ensure robust protection.
Testing will include firewall settings, Wi-Fi networks, access controls, DNS and authentication systems, and encryption practices. Applications will undergo both white-box and black-box testing to detect weaknesses such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other common and advanced threats. The audit will follow globally recognized standards, including the OWASP Top-10 framework for application security and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 for overall cybersecurity practices.
Beyond technical testing, PTA will also examine policies, employee awareness, and incident response readiness. This includes checking how access to sensitive systems is controlled based on staff roles- a system known as role-based access control (RBAC), along with cybersecurity training, standard operating procedures, and handling of inactive user accounts.
Eligibility criteria for firms are strict. Applicants must be registered in Pakistan, listed as active taxpayers, and recognized as Category-I cybersecurity audit firms by PTA or National CERT (nCERT), or hold an equivalent accreditation. A minimum of five years’ experience in high-sensitivity environments and certified cybersecurity professionals are mandatory.
Only shortlisted firms will be invited to the next stage, which will involve a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) under PPRA’s Single Stage-Two Envelope procedure. Confidentiality is emphasized, with any data breach potentially leading to legal action or blacklisting.
Officials describe cybersecurity as “operational hygiene,” stressing that secure digital operations are key to maintaining public trust and institutional credibility. In an age of increasing cyberattacks worldwide, the PTA’s proactive approach could serve as a model for other government organizations to safeguard their systems and sensitive data.
