Pakistan’s National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) has sounded an urgent warning over a sharp spike in cyberattacks aimed at individuals, companies, and government systems. The advisory notes that hackers are exploiting high-traffic periods and major upcoming events to deploy phishing scams, fake websites, malware campaigns, and intrusion attempts.
According to CERT, the surge in online engagement combined with advanced attacker tactics has significantly heightened the threat level. These cyberattacks could lead to serious consequences, including financial fraud via fake e-commerce platforms and donation drives, theft of sensitive data, malware infections, website defacement, and large-scale service disruptions.
The advisory warns that unpatched systems and poorly segmented networks allow hackers to move laterally, compromising multiple connected services. Primary attack vectors include phishing emails, malicious downloads, fake offers, charity scams, and unsafe public Wi-Fi connections.
To counter these risks, CERT recommends multi-factor authentication, prompt software updates, VPN use on public networks, and strong passwords for individuals. Organizations are advised to patch vulnerabilities, segment networks, restrict remote access, and monitor suspicious activities continuously.
CERT has urged immediate reporting of incidents via its official portal, stressing that vigilance and timely response are essential to protecting Pakistan’s digital infrastructure from increasingly aggressive cyber threats.
