HSP and ABM Host Workshop to Strengthen Genomic Data Security at Pakistani Research Institutions
From September 26–29, 2026, Health Security Partners (HSP) and the Association for Biorisk Management–Pakistan brought together 31 genomic researchers, public health professionals, IT and cybersecurity specialists, and senior leaders from four key institutions in Pakistan for Strengthening Genomic Data Security Safeguards for Advanced Research Institutions, a workshop held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Led by expert trainers from HSP and Sention, the workshop helped scientists and IT specialists understand the value of genomic data and the teamwork required to protect it. Participants focused on:
- Conducting joint risk assessments and incident response exercises.
- Building effective cross-functional communication channels.
- Clarifying shared roles and responsibilities in threat mitigation.
Balancing open scientific collaboration with data privacy presents unique challenges. Through data mapping and classification exercises, IT professionals gained a deeper understanding of laboratory environments, the value of genomic data, and its relevance to cybersecurity.
A dedicated parallel session for IT and cybersecurity professionals strengthened their ability to respond to cyber threats and coordinate with leadership and researchers to take timely action to isolate and contain risks. Participants remained highly engaged throughout the workshop, contributing thoughtful discussions on genomic data protection and the shared responsibilities of scientific and IT teams.
The workshop laid the groundwork for continued institutional progress. During a three-month mentorship phase, HSP and Sention experts will guide the participating institutions in developing tailored cyberbiosecurity policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to strengthen genomic data protection.
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