Cyber-Attack
A recent warning circulating on WhatsApp and social media in Pakistan suggests that ATMs and online banking services might be compromised due to a ransomware attack.
The message, which has been widely shared, claims that these services will be unavailable for the next few days. However, this claim is entirely unfounded.
The message in question, which appeared on social media platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter) on August 17, urged users to refrain from using ATMs and conducting online transactions.
It stated, “ATMs will be closed for the next two to three days probably, due to a ransomware cyber-attack within Pakistan.”
This has caused considerable concern among the public, leading to a flurry of similar warnings circulating through WhatsApp groups and other social media channels.
To address these concerns, Fact Check reached out to various authorities for clarification. Noor Ahmad, a spokesperson for the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), confirmed that there is no basis for the claims regarding a cyber-attack.
According to Ahmad, the allegations are false, and there is no evidence to suggest that ATMs or online banking services are under threat from malware.
Supporting this, 1LINK (Pvt) Limited, which oversees Pakistan’s primary e-payment gateway, issued a press release on August 18 rejecting the rumors about ATM closures and online banking disruptions.
The statement reassured the public that no cyber threat had been detected and advised ignoring such unfounded claims.
Further verification from Bank Alfalah also confirmed that their ATMs and online banking services were operating normally.
Madiha Javed Qureshi, the head of corporate communications at Bank Alfalah, described the rumors as “unsubstantiated” and affirmed that their services were unaffected.
Additionally, Asif Iqbal Chaudhry, Deputy Director of the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime Wing, dismissed the rumors as “false” and emphasized that predicting such attacks is not feasible.
Chaudhry’s comments align with the broader assurances provided by financial institutions and regulatory bodies.
In summary, there is no evidence to support the claim that Pakistan’s ATMs and online banking systems are experiencing a cyber-attack.
The circulating messages are unfounded and should be disregarded. Authorities and financial institutions have confirmed that services remain secure and operational.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
