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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 6, 2026 - Comments Off on Old Video Misused as ‘Captured US Pilot’ in Iran War Disinformation

Old Video Misused as ‘Captured US Pilot’ in Iran War Disinformation

A viral video widely shared across social media falsely claimed to show Iranian forces capturing an American pilot after shooting down a US fighter jet. The footage, which garnered millions of views across platforms, was circulated by multiple accounts in different languages amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. However, fact-checking revealed that the video is unrelated to the conflict and actually shows a Libyan soldier performing a parachute jump, originally posted in March. Visual analysis confirmed identical elements, including the parachute and surroundings, proving the footage was repurposed. Experts warn that such misleading content thrives during conflicts, exploiting public interest and contributing to confusion and information disorder online.

March 30, 2026 - Comments Off on Fake AI Detection Tools Raise New Disinformation Risks

Fake AI Detection Tools Raise New Disinformation Risks

As concerns over AI-generated content grow, researchers are warning about a new wave of fraudulent AI detection tools that falsely label authentic content as machine-generated. Investigations found that several tools, including JustDone AI, TextGuard, and Refinely, incorrectly flagged human-written text, including news reports and literary works, as AI-generated, while prompting users to pay fees to “humanise” the content. Experts say these tools not only produce unreliable results but may also be deliberately designed to monetise misinformation. The misuse of such detectors risks damaging reputations, undermining trust in verification systems, and enabling a growing disinformation tactic known as the “liar’s dividend,” where authentic content is dismissed as fake.

March 28, 2026 - Comments Off on Coordinated Disinformation Network Targeting Pakistan Exposed

Coordinated Disinformation Network Targeting Pakistan Exposed

A coordinated disinformation campaign targeting Pakistan has been uncovered, involving fake Iranian identities and networks allegedly operated from India and Afghanistan. The operation used a structured model, initiator, proliferator and amplifier, to spread false narratives portraying Pakistan as aligned with Western interests and hostile to Iran. Investigations revealed that initial content was created through fake accounts, while amplification was carried out through networks designed to simulate Iranian public opinion. Among the claims circulated were allegations that Pakistan was facilitating oil transport for the United States. Experts warn that such coordinated campaigns are part of broader information warfare strategies aimed at undermining regional trust, influencing public perception, and escalating geopolitical tensions.

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.

 

March 2, 2026 - Comments Off on Cybercrime investigation unit for Punjab province approved

Cybercrime investigation unit for Punjab province approved

Maryam Nawaz, the chief minister of Punjab has approved plans for the establishment of the province’s first Cybercrime Investigation Unit (CCIU) as part of new measures to strengthen digital security and surveillance. The new unit will investigate cybercrime cases and will be supported by district-level cybercrime centers across the province. The provincial government also plans on creating a special protection cell to specifically assist women affected by digital offences.   

October 24, 2025 - Comments Off on Over 1,000 Flee Myanmar Scam Hub into Thailand

Over 1,000 Flee Myanmar Scam Hub into Thailand

Following a military raid on a major cyberscam hub in Myanmar, over 1,000 people, including nationals from Pakistan, India, and China, have fled across the border into Thailand. The raid targeted the KK Park compound, one of the notorious centers where victims are swindled through online cons. Thai authorities confirmed the arrivals, stating that the individuals will be screened for potential human trafficking or face prosecution for illegal border crossing. The incident highlights the growing global issue of illicit online industries and the use of technology like Starlink satellite devices, which SpaceX reportedly disabled over 2,500 of at Myanmar's scam centers.

October 22, 2025 - Comments Off on MQM-P Politician Falls Victim to Online Scam

MQM-P Politician Falls Victim to Online Scam

Pakistan’s progress towards digitization brings with it new avenues for online scammers who use sophisticated technologies and methods for fraud. High-profile political figures such as Dr Nikhat Shakeel, a parliamentary secretary for the Ministry of Science and Technology, are not immune to these rapidly evolving mediums of online scams. After being swindled out of Rs 1.5 million due to an online scam that involved repeated calls by individuals claiming to hold urgent official documents from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), Dr Nikhat found her phone device compromised, leading to severe financial losses. What stands out in her narrative is the weakness and regulatory holes festering in Pakistan’s cybersecurity infrastructure. NCCIA’s online complaint cell has been non-functional since the beginning of October, and physical complaints create major hurdles owing to jurisdictional constraints, leading to very long time lags before victims can secure their digital devices.

October 20, 2025 - Comments Off on Impersonation-linked scams threaten the viability of Pakistan’s Digital Economy

Impersonation-linked scams threaten the viability of Pakistan’s Digital Economy

Over the last few years, Pakistan’s digital economy has exhibited strong growth figures, with significant increases in the volume of online transactions, e-wallet subscriptions, and e-commerce. Overall, digital payments have increased by 40% in volume and 62% in value. As digitization broadens its accessibility to a predominantly low-income Pakistani society, issues of cybersecurity, digital literacy, and enforcement mechanisms must adapt as well. This is especially urgent considering the strong surge in financial frauds and online scams through mobile and online platforms. 

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has reported this worrying trend in their 2024 Annual Report, and have taken preventive measures in collaboration with Fintech companies like Jazzcash to curb the rising tide of financial scams. Even though capacity-building measures through Customer Awareness about specific tools of ensuring digital security are essential, they are not sufficient in the absence of appropriate cybersecurity guardrails. For instance, data breaches in large institutions like NADRA and recent reports by CERT that suggest that the login credentials of over 180 million users have been leaked require serious critique of security flaws within Pakistan’s digital institutional and governance landscape.

October 20, 2025 - Comments Off on Unlawful Disappearances of Senior Officers in NCCIA threatens security and governance

Unlawful Disappearances of Senior Officers in NCCIA threatens security and governance

Serious questions have been raised surrounding the internal security of the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) after several high-ranking officers mysteriously went missing over the last few weeks. The most recent incident took place on the 14th October when the Deputy Director of NCCIA was abducted from his home in Islamabad. Muhammad Usman’s wife, Rozina Usman filed an FIR asserting that four armed men in a White Toyota Corolla intercepted and abducted her husband at gunpoint. 

As the case has progressed, numerous anomalies have been identified. CCTV footage shows that the Corolla in question was carrying a fake license plate, and according to Rozina’s lawyer, she was being pressured to withdraw the petition and is also currently missing. The IHC has directed the police to retrieve Usman within three days before the NCCIA’s Director and IG of Islamabad Police are summoned before the court. Considering the high-profile nature of individuals involved in these disappearances, a dangerous precedent is being set exposing vulnerabilities in the country’s security infrastructure.