Pakistan’s government is raising the alarm on heightened cyber threats, following reports of both Russian and Israeli hacking attempts targeting the country.
Sources close to the situation have revealed that Russian hackers are now attempting to steal sensitive data from government institutions. In response, the federal government has issued a circular to all provincial governments, ministries, and divisions, outlining measures to mitigate cyberattacks.
The circular details precautions such as using separate servers for offline and online operations, closely monitoring file locations, and strengthening control over incoming internet traffic and user activity. Additionally, it emphasizes limiting internet access to authorized individuals, requiring digital code signing for sensitive software, and regularly changing passwords at the administrator level.
The government also advises entities to create comprehensive emergency response plans to address cyberattacks effectively.
This warning comes on the heels of a previous government circular advising citizens to remain vigilant against Israeli hacking activities and to avoid sharing personal information with suspicious companies.
Pakistani authorities reiterate the importance of cybersecurity best practices. These guidelines recommend citizens refrain from sharing personal information and documents on unauthorized websites, avoid clicking on unknown links, and exercise caution when using public Wi-Fi networks. Additionally, installing unidentified applications should be avoided.
By implementing these precautions, both the government and Pakistani citizens can take steps to defend themselves against cyber threats.
