Pakistan issues Cyberattack alert

Islamabad: Pakistan has issued a special cybersecurity alert ahead of Defence Day warning important government and critical infrastructure organisations about possible cyberattacks.

The National Cyber Emergency Response Team has directed key institutions including sectoral and provincial Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) to set up dedicated cybersecurity control rooms from September 5 to 7.

The National Security Operations Centre (NSOC) will act as the country’s central cyber coordination centre during Defence Day. It will monitor the national cyber environment around the clock and support the exchange of important security information.

Authorities have asked organisations to closely monitor their critical networks computer systems websites and digital services.  Any major cyber incident suspicious activity or possible security breach must be reported immediately.

Institutions have also been told to stay in regular contact with the NSOC to share cyber threat information and coordinate a joint response.

Cybersecurity focal persons and technical teams must remain available throughout the three day period.

Technical teams have been advised to stay prepared for rapid communication escalation of serious incidents and immediate action if a cyberattack occurs.

Government and critical organisations have also been instructed to strengthen the security of their websites online portals APIs and email systems. Recommended measures include keeping web application firewalls and DDoS protection active and ensuring that web systems are fully updated.

For administrative accounts institutions have been advised to use multi factor authentication apply strong security controls keep operating systems updated and disable unnecessary services.

The measures are aimed at protecting Pakistan’s critical digital infrastructure and ensuring a quick response to any cyber threats during Defence Day.