The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has significantly upgraded its cybersecurity defenses to protect sensitive taxpayer data amid rising threats of cyber attacks.

Officials have submitted a detailed report to the Standing Committee, highlighting the new measures and ongoing improvements.

According to the report, modern security controls are fully functional across FBR and Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PARAL) infrastructure. The FBR’s Paral Head Office data center has also implemented a state-of-the-art security system to safeguard critical information.

The report adds that similar security enhancements are being rolled out in FBR House and the Karachi data center to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Geo-fencing

The FBR has introduced geo-fencing controls to block internet traffic from hostile countries, limiting potential cyber threats. Only specific internet-based applications required for business operations are allowed access, while anonymous traffic via Tor or unauthorized VPNs is strictly restricted.

These measures aim to prevent unauthorized access and network misuse, reinforcing the integrity of FBR’s digital systems.

A high-alert Security Operations Center (SOC) now monitors FBR’s network and applications in real time. Officials reported that the system can take immediate action against any suspicious activity, further tightening the agency’s defenses against cyber intrusions.