Islamabad, Apr 28, 2025: The National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) has released an urgent alert, signaling heightened cybersecurity threats as geopolitical tensions rise across Central and South Asia.
In its warning, NCERT emphasized that the unstable political climate in the region could be taken advantage of by various cyber actors, including government-backed groups, activists, and criminal hackers.
Critical sectors like government agencies, vital infrastructure, defense, financial institutions, and media in Pakistan were singled out as key targets for cyberattacks.
NCERT highlighted several tactics that have been or are expected to be used, such as spear-phishing, advanced malware, misinformation campaigns, and the use of deepfake technology.
These methods could be deployed to disrupt vital services, conduct espionage, and spread false narratives.
The advisory also raised concerns about complex Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) attacks aimed at covertly infiltrating sensitive networks over extended periods, making detection and response challenging.
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The potential consequences of successful cyberattacks include unauthorized access to confidential data, disruption of essential services like energy and communications, financial theft, and disinformation efforts that could erode public confidence.
NCERT underscored the risk of destabilizing political stability and fueling civil unrest through the use of deepfakes and fabricated social media content designed to manipulate public perception.
The advisory identified numerous evolving tactics, such as harmful mobile applications, fake news platforms, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks on crucial systems, credential stuffing, and manipulation of synthetic media.
Cybercriminals range from advanced state-backed APT groups to financially motivated hackers and politically inclined activists.
NCERT warned that both public institutions and individuals could be at risk in the current climate. Vulnerable systems include government agencies, essential service providers, financial organizations, media outlets, and general social platforms.
The advisory cautioned that even individuals could fall victim to phishing, malware, and disinformation campaigns, particularly if they use mobile, social, and cloud-based services without proper cybersecurity protections.
NCERT provided a comprehensive list of recommended actions, urging immediate measures like improving authentication protocols, updating and patching critical software, securing communication channels, and bolstering network monitoring.
It stressed the importance of conducting security audits, adopting zero-trust models, and revising incident response strategies within government and critical sectors to safeguard against potential cyberattacks.
The advisory called for a proactive approach to cybersecurity at all levels, encouraging IT professionals to engage in active threat hunting and educate users on safe online practices.
It also recommended that individuals verify links, avoid downloading untrusted apps, and report suspicious activity swiftly.
NCERT urged all organizations to report cyber incidents promptly through its online portal or email to ensure a coordinated national effort in countering emerging threats.
