AHMED BAKHT MASOOD

Ahmed Bakht Masood, serving as the Director (Cyber Security) at the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), has played a key role in strengthening the cybersecurity landscape of the telecom sector. He introduced Cyber Security Regulations along with a comprehensive framework for auditors and ensured its implementation through regular third-party audits. He was instrumental in establishing the National Telecom Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Telecom Security Operations Center (SOC). Additionally, he spearheaded the development of Pakistan’s Cyber Security Strategy for 2023-2028 and contributed to improving the country’s DNSSEC revalidation score through telecom operators. Under his leadership, PTA issued cybersecurity rankings for top telecom operators based on their audit performance. His efforts extend to conducting regular cybersecurity and privacy awareness sessions, as well as playing a pivotal role in the establishment of three Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) and Pakistan’s transition to IPv6.

Furthermore, he has actively contributed as a chair and member of steering committees in various national and international forums, demonstrating his leadership in shaping cybersecurity policies and initiatives, including ME-DNS Forum, TF-AIDN, PKSIG, PKNOG and PKIX.