The National Telecom and Information Technology Security Board (NTISB) has released a crucial advisory cautioning citizens about an alarming rise in cyberattacks targeting Pakistan.
The advisory underscores significant risks linked to the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), artificial intelligence tools, and unverified browser extensions, urging the public to exercise prudence while using such technologies.
According to the NTISB, a recent surge in cyberattacks is focused on extracting sensitive personal information. The advisory identifies browser extensions as a major threat, explaining how hackers exploit them to steal credentials for social media accounts, including Facebook, and online banking platforms.
Sixteen commonly used browser extensions have been flagged, including AI-based tools like ChatGPT-4 and Gemini for Chrome, which the NTISB has classified as potentially dangerous. Free VPN services and unverified AI chatbots were also highlighted as posing substantial security risks.
Key Recommendations:
- Avoid using free or unverified browser extensions and VPNs.
- Opt for trusted, well-established browser extensions and ensure they are regularly updated.
- Install licensed antivirus software to strengthen cybersecurity defenses.
The NTISB emphasized the importance of user vigilance in selecting alternatives to potentially harmful extensions. It warned that, without adequate precautions, vulnerabilities could be exploited through phishing scams and compromised software, leading to severe data breaches.
