Web desk: Some of the major federal ministries and state institutions in Pakistan are on high alert following the emergence of a dangerous cyberattack threat.
Authorities have named the malware Black Ransomware, with assurances that it presents a significant threat to the sensitive information of the nation as well as its national security.
According to media reports, the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National ‘CERT’) has issued an urgent security advisory to 39 federal ministries and major institutions, raising alarm over ongoing ransomware activity.
The Director General of National CERT formally alerted critical bodies, including the Cabinet Division, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Election Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), and the National Information Technology Board (NITB), among others.
The advisory has also been sent to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy, and the Power Division.
Authorities explained that Black Ransomware locks files on affected systems and demands payment for their restoration. It is now penetrating Windows-powered desktops, laptops, servers, cloud storage, and networked connectivity.
The most recent wave is characterised as exceptionally sophisticated and threatening, employing advanced technology.
According to cybersecurity experts, the malware has the potential to impede critical operations of the government, including loss of sensitive data and confidential government data.
Guidelines to ministries, institutions
The advisory suggests that all ministries should implement precautionary measures as soon as possible:
- Do not download any files or software programs of unknown origin.
- Avoid suspicious links or attachments received in email messages.
- Provide urgent cybersecurity training to staff so phishing attempts can be identified.
- Disconnect affected systems from the network at once.
- Report any suspicious or confirmed incidents to the National ‘CERT’ without delay.
Officials have stressed that this advisory should be shared with all relevant subordinate departments and that strict cybersecurity measures must be implemented to prevent serious damage.
Cybersecurity specialists have called it one of the most severe cyber threats Pakistan has faced in recent years, underlining the urgent need to strengthen the country’s digital defences.
Read more: India plays dirty, stalls vaccine deliveries to Pakistan
