NIBAF Pakistan conducted a specialized training module on External Communication for officers participating in the Cyber Risk Officers Scheme (CROS-1) at its Islamabad Campus. The session was held on August 18, 2026, and focused on strengthening the communication capabilities of cyber risk professionals responsible for responding to cybersecurity incidents and managing communication with stakeholders during critical situations. The module was facilitated by Mr. Anser Sultan and addressed communication protocols that can help cyber risk officers respond in a structured and effective manner when organizations face significant cybersecurity events.
Cybersecurity incidents can require organizations to manage both technical risks and the flow of information surrounding an incident. During a major cyber event, communication with stakeholders, customers, regulators, employees and media organizations can become an important part of the overall response. The External Communication module was designed to help CROS-1 officers understand how communication should be handled during such circumstances, with emphasis on appropriate protocols, strategic messaging and the responsible disclosure of information.
A central focus of the session was crisis communication. Cyber incidents can develop rapidly, requiring organizations to communicate important information while technical teams are still assessing the nature and extent of an incident. The training provided officers with guidance on handling communications in critical situations, helping them understand the importance of maintaining clear messaging and following established communication protocols when responding to cybersecurity events.
The session also covered stakeholder engagement, an important component of cyber risk management. During a cybersecurity incident, organizations may need to communicate with multiple groups that have different information requirements and expectations. Effective stakeholder communication can help ensure that relevant parties receive appropriate information while the organization continues to manage the underlying technical issue. The training addressed the role of cyber risk officers in supporting structured communication with stakeholders during such circumstances.
Media disclosures were another key area included in the module. Cybersecurity incidents can attract significant public and media attention, particularly when they involve financial institutions, critical infrastructure or sensitive information. Officers therefore need to understand how information should be communicated externally and how disclosures can be managed without compromising ongoing incident response activities. The session provided participants with an understanding of protocols relevant to media communication during critical cybersecurity situations.
Strategic messaging also formed an important part of the training. In a high pressure environment, the way an organization communicates can influence how stakeholders understand an incident and respond to the information provided. The module focused on developing communication approaches that remain clear, coordinated and aligned with the organization’s overall incident response strategy. This enables communication teams and cyber risk professionals to work more effectively when dealing with complex cybersecurity events.
The programme is particularly relevant as financial institutions and other organizations increasingly depend on digital systems and face evolving cyber risks. Cybersecurity incidents can have implications beyond technology infrastructure, potentially affecting customer confidence, business operations and institutional reputation. Developing professionals who understand both cyber risk and external communication requirements can therefore strengthen an organization’s ability to manage incidents across technical and non technical dimensions.
The CROS-1 training also highlights the growing importance of communication skills within cyber risk functions. Cyber risk officers are often required to coordinate with technical teams, senior management, regulators and external stakeholders. Their responsibilities may extend beyond identifying and assessing cyber threats to supporting institutional responses when incidents occur. Knowledge of communication protocols can help officers contribute more effectively to these broader responsibilities.
Held at NIBAF Pakistan’s Islamabad Campus, the External Communication session provided CROS-1 officers with a focused learning opportunity centered on communication during cybersecurity events. Under the guidance of facilitator Mr. Anser Sultan, participants were introduced to key considerations involving crisis communication, stakeholder engagement, media disclosures and strategic messaging.
NIBAF Pakistan continues to conduct specialized training programmes aimed at developing professional capabilities within Pakistan’s banking and financial sector. The CROS-1 module reflects the institution’s focus on preparing officers to address emerging requirements in cyber risk management, including the ability to communicate effectively when organizations encounter critical cybersecurity situations.
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