Cyber threats surge by over 27pc in Pakistan’s industrial systems: report

LAHORE: Pakistan’s industrial control systems (ICS) faced an alarming rise in cyber threats, particularly ransomware attacks, during the second quarter of 2024, per a report by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky.

The report says that ransomware activity has surged across the country, with the percentage of ICS computers affected rising by 1.2 times compared to the previous quarter. Per the report, there has been an overall 20 per cent increase in ransomware attacks compared to the prior quarter. The report highlights a growing threat to critical infrastructure sectors worldwide, with ransomware and spyware representing the most significant risks.

Statistics from the Kaspersky Security Network indicate that 23.5 per cent of ICS computers globally were exposed to cyber threats in Q2 2024. In Pakistan, this figure stands at 27 per cent, while Africa remains the most heavily impacted region, with 30 per cent of ICS computers under attack. The building automation sector experienced the highest percentage of ICS computer attacks globally during the reviewed period, at 28.3 per cent.