Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan’s premier agriculture financing institution, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), has partnered with Wateen, a leader in Pakistan’s ICT sector and a recognized provider of managed cybersecurity services, to establish a state-of-the-art Security Operations Center (SOC).
This collaboration aims to protect the critical digital infrastructure of ZTBL and safeguard the data of over half a million customers.
The partnership agreement was signed by Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti, President/CEO of ZTBL, and Adil Rashid, CEO of Wateen, with senior representatives from both organizations also present at the signing ceremony.
ZTBL has been at the forefront of digital banking innovation, offering services such as internet banking, WhatsApp banking, mobile banking, ATM-based financial solutions, digital onboarding, and USSD-based banking.
The bank is committed to modernizing the agricultural sector through digital financial services.
Wateen will be responsible for overseeing the cybersecurity landscape at ZTBL, providing 24/7 monitoring, advanced threat detection, and quick incident response to protect the bank’s digital assets.
The collaboration will also enhance ZTBL’s cybersecurity posture, ensuring the bank is well-equipped to defend against evolving cyber threats.
Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti, President/CEO of ZTBL, emphasized, “At ZTBL, protecting our customers’ data and maintaining their trust is our top priority. With our expanding portfolio of digital banking services and this partnership with Wateen, we are reinforcing our commitment to the highest standards of cybersecurity, while continuing to empower Pakistan’s agricultural sector.”
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Adil Rashid, CEO of Wateen, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “We are honored to collaborate with ZTBL in fortifying their cybersecurity infrastructure. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, securing the financial sector is more critical than ever. Our goal is to protect ZTBL’s vital data, ensuring operational resilience and setting a higher standard for cybersecurity across the industry.”
Wateen’s expertise in banking regulations and cybersecurity protocols makes it an ideal partner for ZTBL, helping the bank meet the stringent security standards required in the financial sector.
The SOC implemented by Wateen uses cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time threat intelligence to safeguard ZTBL’s IT ecosystem against emerging cyber threats.
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The partnership aligns with compliance requirements from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the National Cyber Security Policy 2021, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) regulations, PCI DSS standards, and ISO 27001 certification, further bolstering ZTBL’s position as a secure and compliant financial institution.
Wateen will provide continuous surveillance of ZTBL’s IT infrastructure, proactively mitigating cyber risks and enhancing customer trust.
This collaboration reinforces Wateen’s leadership in managed cybersecurity and ZTBL’s dedication to maintaining data integrity and security.
