The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched a major firewall upgrade project to strengthen national cybersecurity. The initiative aims to protect critical digital systems and telecom networks from emerging cyber threats.
The project’s budget is estimated between Rs. 40 million and Rs. 120 million. The final cost depends on the chosen firewall models, subscription durations, and the overall scope of deployment.
Once completed, the upgraded firewall system will provide PTA with enhanced control, better visibility, and stronger protection against sophisticated cyberattacks. The upgrade will cover PTA Headquarters as well as its regional offices across Pakistan.
Firewall Features and Capabilities
The new firewall systems will include next-generation features such as intrusion prevention, web filtering, malware protection, VPN security, and SSL inspection. These capabilities will prevent unauthorized access, detect intrusion attempts, and improve real-time network monitoring.
Centralized management consoles will allow PTA to efficiently control network traffic. Active-passive failover configurations will ensure continuous service without interruptions. Additionally, the firewall system will integrate with the National CERT’s threat intelligence framework for coordinated responses to cyber incidents.
Implementation and Maintenance
The firewall upgrade project will be implemented in multiple phases. These include assessing the existing network, procuring and installing hardware, configuring and testing systems, and training PTA’s IT staff.
A post-deployment maintenance phase will provide 24/7 vendor support and continuous security updates for three to five years. Experts say the project is a significant step toward protecting Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and ensuring a secure online environment.
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With increasing cyber threats worldwide, this firewall upgrade demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its telecom and digital security systems. The PTA expects the project to set a new benchmark for network safety in the country.
