Indian Cyber Attacks
Pakistan has successfully thwarted a series of cyberattacks allegedly orchestrated by Indian hackers, targeting several federal ministries, Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed on Tuesday.
These hacking attempts were aimed at infiltrating government websites, disrupting digital operations, and accessing sensitive information. However, due to robust cybersecurity measures in place, all the attacks were neutralised before they could cause any damage or compromise critical data.
Speaking to the media, Minister Shaza Fatima reassured the public and stakeholders that the attempted breaches had no impact on the functionality or integrity of the government’s digital infrastructure. “Despite several coordinated efforts by hostile elements, our cybersecurity teams acted swiftly and decisively. The attackers were unable to breach any system or obtain classified information,” she stated.
The minister emphasized that the vigilance of Pakistan’s cybersecurity professionals played a key role in maintaining operational stability and protecting national interests.
Importantly, Shaza Fatima clarified that no attacks had been carried out on Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure. “Our telecom sector remains secure and uncompromised. Our teams continue to monitor all developments around the clock to ensure continued safety,” she said.
Highlighting the country’s recent achievements in cybersecurity, the minister noted that Pakistan has ranked among the top nations globally in terms of digital security performance over the past two years. “Our cybersecurity professionals are highly trained and committed to defending our digital frontiers,” she added.
On April 28, the National Computer Emergency Response Team (National CERT) issued a high-priority advisory, warning of an elevated risk of cyberattacks amid rising geopolitical tensions in South Asia and Central Asia.
According to the advisory, adversaries may attempt to exploit the regional instability to launch sophisticated attacks against critical infrastructure and key government institutions.
The advisory listed possible attack vectors including spear-phishing, malware deployment, and even the use of deepfake technology to manipulate and breach digital systems. It further cautioned that successful cyber intrusions could lead to significant data breaches, disruption of public services, and even political instability.
In response, all institutions were urgently instructed to strengthen their cybersecurity protocols, conduct system-wide security audits, and ensure the timely update of antivirus software.
The Director General of the National CERT stressed that cybersecurity must now be treated as a national security priority. “Strategic and immediate action is essential to protect the country’s digital and political sovereignty,” the DG warned.
This development underscores the critical need for continued investment in cybersecurity and constant vigilance as digital threats evolve alongside geopolitical dynamics.
