Ignite, a state-owned non-profit company, has officially launched the third edition of the Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon 2023 in Karachi, aiming to promote and challenge cybersecurity skills. This year’s event expands its reach to include regional rounds in key cities such as Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, and Islamabad.
Scheduled for the end of December in Islamabad, the hackathon will culminate in a final competition where top-performing teams will be awarded cash prizes totaling Rs3 million. Dr. Umar Saif, the Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecom, stressed the paramount importance of securing the nation’s cyber boundaries.
He highlighted ongoing efforts within the ministry to identify and nurture talented individuals capable of thwarting malicious cyber attempts, recognizing the crucial role of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape.
The event was attended by Ignite CEO Asim Shahryar Husain and featured a series of five-day hands-on training workshops conducted in ten cities across Pakistan. These workshops aimed to enhance the capabilities of cybersecurity students and professionals in preparation for the hackathons.
Covering a broad spectrum of cybersecurity topics, the training included fundamental security principles, penetration testing methodologies, web application security, network security, social engineering, wireless network security, cloud security, mobile device security, and incident response.
This initiative not only provides a platform for fostering cybersecurity talent but also aligns with the broader national strategy to fortify digital infrastructure and resilience against cyber threats. The focus on training and competition reflects a proactive approach to address evolving challenges in the digital realm, ensuring a secure and robust cyberspace for Pakistan.
