ISLAMABAD: The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT) has sounded the alarm over a surge in cyberattacks across Pakistan, urging government institutions and organizations to tighten digital security.
In an official advisory, NCERT revealed that hackers are exploiting unverified platforms and malicious files to launch their attacks. A particularly dangerous malware strain, Blue Locker, has been identified as a primary tool used by cybercriminals to infiltrate systems and extort ransom payments from targeted institutions.
The advisory noted a significant rise in Blue Locker ransomware incidents, with several organizations reporting severe disruptions to business operations. In some cases, the malware has the potential to completely destroy critical data.
NCERT has already issued warning letters to 39 ministries and key institutions, advising immediate steps to boost cybersecurity.
Recommended Cybersecurity Measures
- Adopt multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all systems.
- Implement advanced email filtering to detect malicious links and attachments.
- Isolate shared drives to prevent malware spread.
- Maintain regular backups to ensure data recovery.
- Preserve forensic evidence for investigation after an attack.
The advisory also urged all institutions to proactively strengthen defenses to counter future ransomware threats.
PPL Cyberattack Incident
In a recent case, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) confirmed its IT systems were targeted in a ransomware attack. Following the breach, the company received a ransom demand from unidentified hackers.
According to PPL’s official statement, no sensitive corporate data was compromised. However, certain IT systems were temporarily shut down as a precaution. The matter has been reported to regulatory authorities and law enforcement, with a full investigation underway.
