The National Computer Emergency Response Team has launched a National Cyber Security Control Room in Islamabad to keep a constant watch on the country’s digital infrastructure as cyber threats escalate.
According to media reports, the National CERT has directed all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and provincial CERTs to activate their respective control rooms.
Due to the sensitive situation, monitoring of government websites and national digital infrastructure has commenced, and all suspicious online activities are to be reported immediately to the National CERT.
Relevant institutions have been instructed to share the contact details of their focal persons with the National CERT.
Additionally, this control room has been designated as the central coordination centre to respond to cyber-attacks at the national level.
National Cyber Emergency Response Team issues advisory
In the current week, the National Cyber Emergency Response Team has issued a high-alert advisory for government and private institutions nationwide in response to rising geopolitical tensions in the region. The advisory emphasises that immediate and effective cybersecurity measures are essential to protect national security and public trust.
The advisory highlights potential threats such as spear phishing, deep fakes, advanced persistent threats (APTs), and spyware.
These attacks may aim to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information, conduct surveillance, disrupt services, or spread false information to incite public unrest.
Cyber-attacks could lead to account takeovers, hijacking of government portals or media accounts to disseminate fake news, and disruptions to energy and communication systems. Deepfake technology could be used to impersonate key figures and create tensions, while fake social media pages could spread misinformation and chaos.
The National Cyber Emergency Response Team has directed all institutions to conduct immediate security audits and strengthen their defences.
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