Cybersecurity warning issued to Pakistanis amid rising cross-border tensions

ISLAMABAD: The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT) has issued a high-priority advisory warning of an uptick in cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns amid rising tensions between Pakistan and India.

Malicious actors are exploiting the climate of uncertainty to launch sophisticated cyber operations targeting critical national networks, according to the advisory which also highlighted tactics such as phishing schemes, fake news, and misleading messages disseminated via social media and messaging platforms.

These cyberattacks aim to create confusion, steal sensitive information, and destabilise key systems.

"The adversaries are spreading disinformation using fraudulent messages, phishing attacks, and fabricated stories to mislead the public," read the advisory.

It warns that hostile elements are attempting to create uncertainty and panic by disseminating false narratives disguised as urgent alerts or official communication.

The advisory underscores that these threats are not limited to government systems but extend to corporate networks and individuals.

Attackers are employing advanced techniques such as homograph attacks — URLs that mimic trusted domains using similar-looking characters — and QR codes that redirect users to malicious websites.

Infected web pages and unauthorised ads are also being used to inject malware and gain unauthorised access.

To combat these threats, NCERT recommends that users avoid clicking on unsolicited or suspicious links, refrain from sharing unverified information on platforms like WhatsApp, and only rely on official sources for updates.

“Do not open unverified emails, messages, or social media links. Always verify before acting,” it states.

The advisory also advises strengthening endpoint security with updated antivirus tools, enabling multi-factor authentication, and monitoring networks for unusual activity. It calls on the public to play a proactive role by remaining vigilant and not amplifying rumours or unauthenticated content.

NCERT assures that rapid response mechanisms are in place and urges citizens to rely exclusively on trusted government or emergency sources for accurate information.

“Together, we can prevent the spread of misinformation and defend our digital frontlines,” the advisory concludes.