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April 26, 2026 - Comments Off on Survey Highlights Cybersecurity Gaps and Shadow IT Risks in Pakistani

Survey Highlights Cybersecurity Gaps and Shadow IT Risks in Pakistani

A recent survey by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has revealed significant gaps in workplace cybersecurity practices in Pakistan, with 39% of professionals considering their organisation’s policies excessive or ineffective, and 8% reporting a lack of awareness or absence of such rules. The findings highlight growing risks linked to “shadow IT,” where employees use unauthorised software or personal devices for work purposes.

According to the report, 38% of respondents said there are no clear policies governing non-corporate device use, while 26% admitted installing software without IT supervision in the past year. These practices expose organisations to data breaches, compliance risks, and security vulnerabilities.

Experts emphasise the need for more user-centric cybersecurity strategies that combine technical safeguards with employee awareness. Recommendations include conducting shadow IT audits, implementing stricter device management systems, and providing regular training on cybersecurity risks. The report underscores the urgent need for stronger digital security frameworks in Pakistan’s evolving workplace environment.

April 8, 2026 - Comments Off on Sindh Fuel Subsidy Portal Restored After Hacking Attempts, Officials Confirm

Sindh Fuel Subsidy Portal Restored After Hacking Attempts, Officials Confirm

The Sindh government’s online fuel subsidy portal for motorcyclists was temporarily shut down due to repeated hacking attempts, according to Excise Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla. The system has since been restored after security measures were implemented. The portal, launched to provide Rs2,000 monthly subsidies to registered motorcyclists, saw high demand, with 15,000 registrations and 3,000 successful applications so far. Authorities confirmed that payments have been transferred to 1,500 beneficiaries via Sindh Bank accounts. The incident highlights growing cybersecurity challenges in digital public service delivery as governments expand technology-based welfare systems.

March 12, 2026 - Comments Off on Senators Raise Security Concerns Over Islamabad Safe City Surveillance System

Senators Raise Security Concerns Over Islamabad Safe City Surveillance System

Members of Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology raised concerns about the security of Islamabad’s Safe City surveillance system, questioning whether software used in the system could have links to Israeli technology companies. Lawmakers from PML-N and JUI-P warned that potential vulnerabilities in the surveillance infrastructure could expose sensitive information, including VVIP movements. Officials from the Safe City project assured the committee that the system is protected by multiple cybersecurity safeguards, including firewalls, secure data servers, and regular technical audits. The committee directed authorities to provide a detailed list of all software used in the surveillance system and requested further technical briefings to assess potential risks.

March 12, 2026 - Comments Off on Data Centres Emerging as New Targets in Modern Warfare, Experts Warn

Data Centres Emerging as New Targets in Modern Warfare, Experts Warn

Experts have warned that data centres, critical facilities powering cloud services, banking applications, and artificial intelligence platforms, are emerging as potential targets in modern warfare following reported drone strikes during the ongoing Iran conflict. Amazon confirmed that two of its data centres in the United Arab Emirates were struck by drones on March 1, while another facility in Bahrain was damaged by debris from a nearby attack. Analysts say such incidents may represent some of the first known physical attacks on data infrastructure, highlighting the growing strategic importance of data centres as national-level AI and digital infrastructure. Experts caution that targeting these facilities could disrupt civilian services and cloud systems, raising concerns about the security of digital infrastructure in conflict zones.

March 11, 2026 - Comments Off on Iran-Linked Hackers Accused of Breaching Israeli Security Cameras for Espionage

Iran-Linked Hackers Accused of Breaching Israeli Security Cameras for Espionage

Israel’s National Cyber Directorate warned that Iran-linked hackers have breached dozens of Israeli security cameras since the start of the Middle East conflict, potentially using the footage for espionage and operational intelligence. Authorities urged camera owners to update software and change passwords to prevent further security risks. Cybersecurity experts say hackers may be using compromised cameras to assess damage from attacks or monitor targeted locations and individuals. The incident reflects the growing role of cyber operations alongside conventional warfare, as Iran and Israel continue to engage in a long-running digital conflict that has intensified since the latest military escalation on February 28.

 

February 17, 2026 - Comments Off on SBP Launches ‘Cyber Shield’ Strategy to Strengthen Financial Sector Cyber Resilience

SBP Launches ‘Cyber Shield’ Strategy to Strengthen Financial Sector Cyber Resilience

The State Bank of Pakistan has introduced “Cyber Shield,” a national cyber resilience strategy under its Vision 2028 agenda to address rising cyber threats to the banking and financial ecosystem. The phased roadmap, to be implemented by 2030, requires all regulated entities to align their cybersecurity frameworks with international best practices. The strategy prioritises incident resilience, governance, sector-wide cooperation, talent development, and adaptive security measures to safeguard digital payments, financial stability, and secure access to financial services amid growing cybercrime risks.

February 5, 2026 - Comments Off on Pakistan to chair Digital Cooperation Organization

Pakistan to chair Digital Cooperation Organization

At the 5th General Assembly in Kuwait, Pakistan’s Minister of IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja has taken over the chairmanship of the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) for the upcoming term. The DCO is a multilateral international platform that promotes cooperation among member states in areas such as digital economy, infrastructure, cyber security and data governance. As the chairman of this commission, Pakistan plans to focus on digital education and online safety all while providing equitable access to technology for the benefit of women, children and other vulnerable communities. 

 

October 29, 2025 - Comments Off on Alert Issued for Gmail Users After Infostealer Leak

Alert Issued for Gmail Users After Infostealer Leak

A massive database containing 183 million email addresses and passwords has been added to the "Have I been pwned" (HIBP) breach-tracking service. The data, which includes confirmed login credentials for Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo, originated from "infostealer" malware infections over the past years. This leakage provides a direct link for cybercriminals to conduct malicious attacks. While Google clarified that the report does not stem from a direct breach of its defenses, the company recommends that users immediately enable two-factor authentication, use strong, unique passwords, and check the HIBP website to see if their credentials were leaked.

October 28, 2025 - Comments Off on Punjab to Establish Own Cybercrime Agency Due to Dissatisfaction with NCCIA

Punjab to Establish Own Cybercrime Agency Due to Dissatisfaction with NCCIA

The Punjab government has decided to establish its own Cybercrime Wing to address the sharp rise in cybercrime and curb the misuse of digital platforms. The decision was approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz due to dissatisfaction with the federal National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), citing its slow and inadequate response to complaints. A senior official stated that the most-populated province needs a separate agency to efficiently handle thousands of monthly complaints related to account hacking, harassment, and financial fraud. The move aims to create a dedicated provincial body to strengthen the enforcement of laws like PECA within Punjab.

September 13, 2025 - Comments Off on Crackdown on Anti-State Social Media Campaigns Intensifies

Crackdown on Anti-State Social Media Campaigns Intensifies

The federal government has intensified its crackdown on anti-state campaigns being run on social media, with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) taking the lead in identifying and prosecuting those involved.

According to official information, the NCCIA has registered 356 FIRs across Pakistan against individuals accused of spreading anti-state propaganda online. In addition, 789 enquiries have been initiated into suspects posting content targeting state institutions.

During the recent Marka-e-Haq campaign, when anti-army posts gained traction online, the agency registered 52 cases against individuals allegedly involved in spreading content against the armed forces.

Officials said NCCIA also assisted police in the investigation of the May 9, 2025, incident, where social media was allegedly used to orchestrate attacks. By analysing suspects’ digital footprints and old posts, investigators established evidence that led to multiple convictions in Lahore, Sargodha, and Mianwali.

To curb online misuse, multiple Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) have been formed. NCCIA also works closely with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for timely removal of harmful content, while identified accounts are regularly forwarded to platforms for blocking.

The agency’s Open Source Intelligence Unit (OSINT) continues to monitor online activity to detect emerging propaganda patterns, with the goal of preventing disinformation before it spreads.

Officials maintain these measures are necessary to protect national security and safeguard state institutions from coordinated digital disinformation campaigns.