Pakistani government issued a warning on Friday regarding attempts to hack the mobile phones of senior government officials. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated that security agencies had uncovered efforts to steal “sensitive information” through phishing tactics.
The PMO identified the methods used by the attackers as impersonating high-ranking officials and sending malicious links on WhatsApp. Officials were instructed to remain vigilant and disregard such messages. Additionally, they were directed to report any suspicious activity to the Cabinet Division immediately.
This warning comes amidst heightened security concerns in Pakistan. In July, the Public Accounts Committee raised worries about a data breach at the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), potentially exposing the information of citizens and military personnel.
Furthermore, last year, a series of audio recordings emerged online, allegedly capturing private conversations within the Prime Minister’s Office. These leaks, attributed to a security breach, involved prominent figures such as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz.
The PMO’s statement assures that security agencies are actively monitoring the situation. However, these recent incidents highlight the vulnerability of government communications and underscore the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
