Pakistan’s National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT) has sounded the alarm over a growing wave of cyberattacks, prompting an urgent call for enhanced digital defenses across the country. The advisory, issued on Sunday, warns that hackers are increasingly using unverified platforms and infected files to infiltrate networks, with the Blue Locker ransomware emerging as the primary weapon of choice.
The malware, once embedded in a system, can cripple operations by locking critical files and demanding ransom payments from victims. NCERT confirmed that in recent weeks, multiple ministries, corporations, and public institutions have been targeted, leading to severe operational disruptions and potential data compromise.
According to the advisory, 39 ministries and organizations have already received official warning letters. These communications stress the urgency of adopting preventive measures, particularly in light of recent incidents that saw hackers demanding ransom from high-profile institutions.
To counter the escalating threat, NCERT has recommended a multi-layered defense strategy, including:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adding extra layers of verification to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
- Email filtering systems: Detecting and blocking malicious links and attachments before they reach inboxes.
- Isolation of shared drives: Preventing malware from spreading across internal networks.
- Regular data backups: Ensuring critical files can be restored without paying a ransom.
The advisory also highlights the need for forensic evidence preservation, enabling law enforcement to investigate and track cybercriminals.
This latest warning comes shortly after Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) confirmed it had suffered a ransomware cyberattack. Attackers issued a ransom note demanding payment in exchange for unlocking systems, though the company maintains that no sensitive corporate data was leaked. Certain IT services were suspended temporarily as a precaution while the incident was reported to regulatory authorities and law enforcement.
With cyberattacks growing in scale and sophistication, NCERT is urging all public and private institutions in Pakistan to proactively strengthen their cybersecurity posture. Failure to do so, experts warn, could result in not just financial losses, but also long-term reputational damage and disruption of essential services.
For ongoing developments on this and related stories, visit Pakistan Cybersecurity Latest News.
