National Institute of Banking and Finance Pakistan conducted a comprehensive two day training module for officers participating in the Cyber Risk Officers Scheme, CROS-1, at its Islamabad Campus. The face to face programme was held from August 3 to August 4, 2026, with the training focused on Knowledge Management Systems and Web Portals, DevSecOps and Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals. The programme was designed to strengthen participants’ technical understanding across areas that are becoming increasingly important for cybersecurity, technology risk management and digital operations within the financial sector.
The training programme brought together several technology focused areas under a single learning module, giving participating officers exposure to knowledge management systems, web portals, DevSecOps practices and fundamental concepts related to artificial intelligence. These areas are closely connected with the operation and protection of modern digital systems, where organizations increasingly need to manage technology risks while maintaining secure and reliable online services. The programme provided officers with an opportunity to build their understanding of technical concepts relevant to their responsibilities under the Cyber Risk Officers Scheme.
Knowledge Management Systems and Web Portals formed one of the core areas covered during the training. Knowledge management systems can support organizations in organizing, maintaining and accessing institutional information, while web portals provide digital access points for users and services. Understanding the operation and security requirements of such systems is increasingly important for financial institutions as banking operations continue to rely on digital platforms. The training provided participants with exposure to these areas as part of the broader effort to strengthen their technical capabilities.
The programme also covered DevSecOps, an approach that integrates security considerations into software development and operational processes. As financial institutions increasingly depend on applications, digital platforms and interconnected technology infrastructure, incorporating security throughout the development lifecycle has become an important part of technology risk management. Training in DevSecOps can help professionals understand how development, security and operations can work together to identify and address technology risks more effectively rather than treating security as a separate stage after software development.
Artificial intelligence fundamentals were another major component of the two day programme. Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly relevant to financial institutions through applications involving data analysis, automation, customer services, fraud monitoring and other technology driven processes. At the same time, the use of artificial intelligence introduces new considerations relating to cybersecurity, data protection, system reliability and technology governance. Providing cyber risk officers with a foundation in artificial intelligence can therefore support their ability to assess emerging risks associated with the adoption of AI enabled technologies.
The training was conducted by Mr. Owais Hassan, who led participants through the scheduled technical areas during the two day programme. The face to face format at the NIBAF Pakistan Islamabad Campus provided participants with an environment for structured professional learning and direct engagement during the sessions. The programme formed part of the institution’s wider capacity building activities aimed at developing technical knowledge among professionals working in areas connected to banking and financial sector technology.
The Cyber Risk Officers Scheme is focused on strengthening capabilities related to technology and cyber risks within the financial sector. As financial institutions expand their use of digital banking systems, online platforms, cloud technologies and automated processes, cyber risk management has become an increasingly important operational requirement. Officers responsible for identifying and managing these risks require knowledge that covers both conventional information technology security and emerging technologies.
The inclusion of DevSecOps and artificial intelligence fundamentals in the CROS-1 training reflects the changing nature of technology risk. Security challenges are no longer limited to traditional network and infrastructure threats, as organizations must also consider risks emerging from software development practices, digital services, automated systems and artificial intelligence applications. Developing knowledge across these areas can help professionals understand how technology risks emerge and how security considerations can be incorporated into digital operations.
NIBAF Pakistan said that advancing technical knowledge in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence remains important for building resilient capabilities across the financial sector. The training programme therefore addressed areas that are relevant to the continued digital transformation of financial institutions. Stronger technical understanding among cyber risk professionals can support institutions in identifying vulnerabilities, evaluating technology risks and improving their preparedness for emerging challenges.
The programme also highlights the growing importance of professional development for technology and cybersecurity personnel within financial institutions. Continuous training allows professionals to keep pace with changes in technology and the methods used to manage associated risks. As banking systems become increasingly digital, the ability to understand technologies such as artificial intelligence and modern software development practices becomes an important part of effective cyber risk oversight.
The two day CROS-1 training held at NIBAF Pakistan’s Islamabad Campus therefore provided participating officers with exposure to Knowledge Management Systems and Web Portals, DevSecOps and Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals. Conducted on August 3 and 4, the programme supported the development of technical capabilities relevant to cybersecurity and technology risk management. Through such capacity building initiatives, NIBAF Pakistan continues to contribute to the development of technical expertise needed to manage evolving technology risks across the financial sector.
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