In a sweeping move aimed at strengthening digital defences within the education sector, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has made cybersecurity training compulsory for all private school staff in the federal capital, Islamabad.
The high-priority directive follows recent instructions from the Prime Minister to enhance institutional cybersecurity preparedness amid growing digital threats. Acting on these directives, the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (ICT-PEIRA) has partnered with Cisco Networking Academy to roll out a large-scale capacity-building initiative.
Under the new mandate, every teaching and non-teaching staff member who uses computers, official email systems, or mobile devices for institutional work will be required to undergo certified online training in Cybersecurity and Digital Safety. The directive applies broadly, covering administrative personnel, academic staff, IT teams, and support staff, essentially anyone interacting with digital platforms as part of their daily responsibilities.
Officials say the move comes in response to the rapid digitization of educational institutions. With schools increasingly relying on cloud-based systems, digital attendance records, online fee management portals, virtual classrooms, and AI-assisted tools, the exposure to cyber risks has grown significantly. Authorities have warned that hacking attempts, phishing scams, ransomware attacks, and data breaches are becoming more frequent and sophisticated.
According to ministry sources, sensitive student records, financial data, and internal communications have become prime targets for cybercriminals. The government believes that human error — such as weak passwords, unsafe downloads, or falling victim to phishing emails — remains one of the biggest vulnerabilities within institutions.
“Cybersecurity is no longer optional. It is an operational necessity,” a senior official from the education ministry stated, emphasizing that awareness and training are the first lines of defense against digital threats.
The certification courses, to be delivered through Cisco’s globally recognized digital learning platform, will cover key areas including identifying phishing attempts, securing devices, safe email practices, password management, data protection protocols, and responding to cyber incidents. The program is designed to be accessible online, allowing staff members to complete the modules alongside their professional duties.
The Ministry has set a strict deadline of March 8, 2026, for the completion of all required certifications. School administrations have been directed to ensure full compliance within the stipulated timeframe. Non-compliance, officials hinted, could result in regulatory consequences under existing education governance frameworks.
Education experts have welcomed the initiative, calling it a timely intervention. They argue that as educational institutions become increasingly dependent on digital infrastructure, cyber literacy must become a fundamental skill, not just for IT professionals but for all staff members.
The directive marks one of the most comprehensive cybersecurity enforcement measures taken within Pakistan’s private education sector. By institutionalizing digital safety training, authorities aim to build long-term resilience against evolving cyber threats and protect the integrity of academic operations in the capital.
With the March 2026 deadline fast approaching, private schools in Islamabad are now gearing up to implement what officials describe as a critical step toward safeguarding the country’s educational cyberspace.
About The Author
