As the security situation in the region escalates following recent hostilities between Pakistan and India, the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT) has issued a fresh advisory to combat a surge in cyber attacks aimed at undermining Pakistan’s critical infrastructure.
The advisory highlights a concerted effort by hostile elements to exploit the current geopolitical tensions, emphasizing that cyber threats and misinformation campaigns are increasingly targeting Pakistan’s networks.
The CERT advisory, issued on Monday, warns that these adversaries are using sophisticated cyber strategies to mislead the public and disrupt Pakistan’s information ecosystem. According to the advisory, the attackers are employing tactics such as deceptive messages, phishing schemes, and the spread of false stories, all designed to create confusion and instability.
“Hostile elements are taking advantage of the current situation to spread misinformation and conduct cyber attacks on vital sectors,” the advisory stated. “Their goal is to sow chaos and exploit the uncertainty arising from the ongoing tensions at the Line of Control (LoC).”
The advisory strongly urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information or rumors about cyber attacks on Pakistan via social media platforms. It also recommended exercising caution when interacting with suspicious links, emails, or social media posts, urging citizens to verify any incoming messages or news from trusted, official sources only.
“Information should only be sourced from reliable and authentic channels,” the advisory emphasized. “Avoid circulating rumors or messages that have not been officially confirmed. Unverified updates, particularly those circulating on platforms like WhatsApp and other social media, can contribute to a false narrative.”
The advisory comes in the wake of heightened tensions between Pakistan and India following an Indian military incursion into several areas of Pakistan. Last night, India launched an airstrike targeting urban centers in Pakistan, prompting a swift and robust military response from the Pakistan Armed Forces.
Pakistan’s military reported significant success in its counteroffensive, shooting down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets, and destroying several military posts, including a brigade headquarters, along the LoC. In a rare admission of defeat, the Indian military hoisted a white flag at the Chura complex, signaling the cessation of hostilities in that sector.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that the Indian forces had suffered substantial losses. “The Pakistan Army inflicted heavy damage on Indian military posts, successfully downing five fighter jets and a drone,” Tarar said in a press statement early on Monday. “Our retaliatory operations are still ongoing, and we continue to receive reports of significant losses to the enemy.”
The government has urged the public to remain vigilant and responsible during these turbulent times, acknowledging the challenges posed by misinformation and cyber warfare. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stressed the need for citizens to play a proactive role in curbing the spread of false information, advising them to prioritize verified updates from official channels.
