The National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) has issued an urgent cybersecurity advisory after detecting a significant rise in Pakistan cyberattacks targeting individuals, businesses, and government portals in Pakistan.
The warning comes as cybercriminals intensify their activities, exploiting high-traffic periods and upcoming events to launch phishing campaigns, create fraudulent websites, spread malware, and attempt opportunistic intrusions into critical networks.
Rising Threats and Attack Tactics
According to CERT, attackers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to cause serious harm. These include:
- Financial scams through fake e-commerce websites and fraudulent donation drives
- Theft of personal and corporate data
- Malware infections and service disruptions
- Website defacement and exposure of stolen data
The advisory highlights that outdated systems and poorly segmented networks allow hackers to move laterally across connected services, increasing the scale of damage.
Common attack vectors include phishing emails, fake event invitations, malicious app downloads, and unsafe public Wi-Fi connections. These schemes often require minimal user interaction, like clicking a link or entering credentials, but can lead to major consequences such as data breaches and operational shutdowns.
Preventive Measures for Individuals and Businesses
To mitigate risks, CERT has recommended immediate security actions:
For Individuals:
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Keep devices and software updated
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive work unless using a VPN
- Use strong, unique passwords
For Organizations:
- Patch and secure content management systems
- Deploy web application firewalls
- Segment networks to limit attacker movement
- Restrict remote access
- Monitor systems continuously for suspicious activities
CERT has also urged citizens and organizations to maintain offline backups, report incidents via the official portal, and stay vigilant against online scams.
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With the growing sophistication of Pakistan cyberattacks, timely prevention and coordinated response are now more critical than ever to protect Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.
