KATHMANDU: The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has decided to set up a separate mechanism — Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) — to prevent cyber attacks in the telecommunications sector.

CERT would collect information regarding cyber attacks and prevent them in the telecommunications and ICT sectors.

“We are preparing to set up a CERT as a branch or a division within NTA,” said NTA Director Bijay Kumar Roy. “It will study and prevent possible cyber attacks in the telecommunications, information and communication technology industries.”

NTA invited letter of intent (LoI) to prepare a detailed project report for setting up CERT on Sunday. Interested and eligible consultants can apply until January 31. Of the applicants, one company will be selected after comparing technical and economic proposals.

The consultant will advise NTA regarding the necessary manpower and expertise in CERT, the number of people required in CERT and possible cyber attacks and prevention.

The selected company will also have to study the existing rules and regulations related to cyber security in Nepal by analyze cyber attacks waged in the past. The consultant will also have to study CERT/CIRT mechanisms of three developed and developing nations each and recommend measures to strengthen Nepal’s cyber security.

The letter of intent also states that the consultant should arrange a meeting of the telecom partners and the officials of the Ministry with the NTA.

In this way, the consultant will prepare a report on the need for CERT in Nepal, its establishment and operation modality, number of staff, cost, its purpose, scope of work, etc., and give suggestions to NTA.