Pakistan Issues Cybersecurity Alert Over Alleged Indian Hacking Campaign

Islamabad, July 10, 2025 — Pakistan’s Cabinet Division has issued an urgent cybersecurity advisory warning of a surge in cyberattacks allegedly orchestrated by Indian hackers, prompting heightened digital vigilance across government and defense institutions.
The advisory, released on July 9, cites a sophisticated malware campaign exploiting the recent Pahalgam incident as a lure to infiltrate Pakistani systems. Officials say attackers are distributing malicious files via email and WhatsApp, disguised under names related to the incident, which silently extract sensitive data and images from infected devices.
“These attacks are stealthy and highly dangerous,” the Cabinet Division stated, urging personnel to avoid opening emails from unknown sources and to scan all attachments with updated antivirus software. The advisory also emphasized the importance of reporting suspicious messages immediately to IT departments.
Government agencies have been instructed to bolster their cybersecurity protocols, including the use of strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and secure data storage practices. The advisory specifically warns against using unreliable cloud services and online document converters for sensitive information.
The alert comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, with officials expressing concern over potential damage to national security. While no major breaches have been publicly confirmed, the advisory reflects growing fears of digital aggression targeting Pakistan’s critical infrastructure.
Cybersecurity experts have praised the swift response but caution that the evolving nature of cyber warfare demands continuous vigilance. The Cabinet Division’s move is part of a broader effort to fortify Pakistan’s digital defenses and prevent future intrusions.
India has not responded to the allegations. The situation remains fluid as both nations navigate an increasingly volatile cyber frontier.

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