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August 13, 2025 - Comments Off on Gang behind fake ride-hailing apps caught

Gang behind fake ride-hailing apps caught

Lahore police arrested a gang accused of operating fake ride-hailing applications to lure and rob passengers. According to authorities, victims were tricked into using counterfeit apps that mimicked legitimate platforms. In one case, a passenger was robbed of millions of rupees. Police said the Punjab Safe Cities Authority assisted in the investigation by using artificial intelligence and virtual patrolling systems to track the suspects. The arrested individuals are facing charges of fraud and cybercrime, and further investigations are under way to identify additional accomplices. Officials have warned the public to download ride-hailing apps only from verified sources.

August 10, 2025 - Comments Off on CERT warns of BlueLocker threat

CERT warns of BlueLocker threat

The National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) issued a warning to 39 federal ministries about an imminent cyber threat involving BlueLocker ransomware. According to the advisory, the malware has the potential to encrypt files and demand ransom for their release, potentially paralysing government operations. CERT urged ministries to immediately implement precautionary measures, including updating antivirus software, backing up critical data, and restricting unnecessary internet access. The alert emphasised that timely action could mitigate potential losses and disruption. The warning reflects the heightened state of alert across government institutions amid a global rise in ransomware attacks targeting sensitive data.

August 9, 2025 - Comments Off on PPL foils ransomware attack

PPL foils ransomware attack

Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) announced that it successfully thwarted a ransomware attack targeting its IT infrastructure. In a statement, PPL clarified that the attempted breach did not compromise its critical systems or operational activities. The company reported the incident to relevant authorities and said it had initiated enhanced security measures to prevent future attacks. It added that its business continuity remained unaffected, and customers and partners faced no disruption. The incident comes around the same time the National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) warned government ministries of BlueLocker ransomware threats, highlighting the rising frequency of such attacks on national institutions. PPL assured stakeholders that it remains vigilant and is upgrading its defences against evolving threats.

August 8, 2025 - Comments Off on GSMA flags risks to digital growth

GSMA flags risks to digital growth

The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) warned that Pakistan’s stalled digital growth threatens future investment in the telecom sector. In its report, GSMA highlighted issues such as heavy taxation, delayed spectrum allocation, and regulatory hurdles as barriers to progress. The organisation cautioned that without urgent reforms, Pakistan risks losing its competitive edge in the region and missing opportunities for economic development. It added that investment in digital infrastructure is critical to sustaining growth, creating jobs, and expanding access to affordable mobile and internet services. GSMA urged the government to take decisive action to address these challenges.

August 8, 2025 - Comments Off on Peshawar man arrested for cyber harassment

Peshawar man arrested for cyber harassment

Police in Peshawar arrested a man on charges of harassment and blackmailing a woman through social media. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the suspect created fake accounts to target the woman, threatening her with doctored images and messages. The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) cybercrime wing took action after the victim lodged a complaint, leading to the suspect’s arrest. Authorities confirmed that devices were seized for forensic examination. The case is being investigated under relevant sections of Pakistan’s cybercrime laws, with officials reiterating their commitment to addressing online harassment. According to the Digital Rights Foundation’s annual 2024 report, 3,171 complaints of tech-facilitated gender-based violence were received across Pakistan in 2024, highlighting the broader scale of such online abuse.

August 7, 2025 - Comments Off on Instagram update allows you to see reel likes 

Instagram update allows you to see reel likes 

In a recent update on Meta’s social media platform Instagram, users can now repost their friends' content and access their follower’s shared reels on a new ‘Friends’ tab. Additionally, a map feature allows you to see in real-time where you and your followers are. Representative from Instagram, Adam Mosseri, has called this update a new way “to connect with the people you most care about,” instead of simply consuming content based off of your algorithm and from people you don’t know.

August 7, 2025 - Comments Off on Investigation underway to find suspects in Mardan assault case 

Investigation underway to find suspects in Mardan assault case 

Mardan police are currently searching for two suspects accused of assaulting and filming a teenage boy in the city. The video, which went viral on social media and was made up to a year ago, shows a teenage boy being assaulted and beaten up by two men. The suspects, when found, will be arrested under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code including Section 292, 355, 376 and 506.   

August 7, 2025 - Comments Off on Punishment sought for cyber offenses at National Assembly convening 

Punishment sought for cyber offenses at National Assembly convening 

At the recent convening on Wednesday, the National Assembly (NA) urged state officials to enact strict punishments for cyber offenses that promulgate tech-facilitated gender-based violence including unauthorized video recordings, dissemination of private pictures and digital defamation. A resolution brought forward by PML-N, and adopted unanimously, called such acts unconstitutional and a breach of privacy, especially for women who already face a climate of fear and insecurity. 

August 6, 2025 - Comments Off on Report finds X policies to cause spike in anti-Muslim, anti-migrant content

Report finds X policies to cause spike in anti-Muslim, anti-migrant content

Following last year’s deadly terrorist attack in Southport, United Kingdom, Amnesty International has uncovered how policy and design at X has played a large part in allowing and encouraging racist and hate-driven narratives against Muslims and migrants in the country. In their technical analysis, researchers found that content-ranking algorithms embedded in the platforms open source code, “systematically prioritise" content that incites hate, conflict, and drives reactions and engagement. With little to no safeguards in place, this creates a breeding ground for X users to spread false claims, exchange hateful speech and carry out blatant online harassment.