Islamabad, Jan 26: The National Telecom and Information Technology Security Board (NTISB) has raised an urgent alarm regarding the surge in cyberattacks targeting users in Pakistan. The advisory highlights the growing risks posed by certain online tools such as VPNs, AI-powered applications, and suspicious browser extensions, urging citizens to be more cautious in their online activities.
NTISB reports a sharp rise in attacks, where hackers are increasingly leveraging commonly used browser extensions to infiltrate personal and sensitive data. These extensions, which are trusted by millions globally, have been identified as a major channel for credential theft. Hackers can exploit these tools to extract login information from social media accounts and online banking platforms, leading to potential financial and identity theft.
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Among the flagged extensions are popular AI tools like ChatGPT-4 and Gemini for Chrome, along with several unverified VPN services and other AI chatbots. The advisory warns that such tools, often free or not thoroughly vetted, pose a significant cybersecurity risk.
The NTISB urges users to:
- Avoid using free or unverified VPNs and browser extensions.
- Only install reputable and well-reviewed extensions and keep them updated.
- Use licensed antivirus software to bolster overall protection.
The board stresses the importance of staying vigilant and making informed choices when it comes to online tools. Failure to do so could open the door to cybercriminals, who may exploit these vulnerabilities through phishing attacks and other malicious tactics. By following these recommendations, users can better safeguard their personal and financial information against emerging threats.