National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has issued an urgent nationwide cybersecurity advisory warning that Pakistani citizens’ personal data faces “severe risk” amid a surge in breaches, identity theft, and privacy violations. The directive applies to all public and private organizations that collect, store, or process Personally Identifiable Information (PII), regardless of whether systems are on-premises, cloud-based, or in hybrid environments. The move follows an alarming increase in incidents targeting sensitive data such as CNICs, health records, and financial details, which have been repeatedly exploited by both criminal actors and hostile entities.
According to National CERT, the National Cyber Security Policy 2021 already recognizes protection of citizens’ data as an issue of national security and public trust, yet rising vulnerabilities continue to expose individuals and organizations alike. Weak internal controls, reliance on outdated technologies, unencrypted communication channels, and poor cyber hygiene practices have significantly widened the attack surface. Installation of malicious applications and negligence in vendor oversight have further aggravated risks, making organizations vulnerable not only to operational disruption and financial fraud but also to reputational loss and potential regulatory action under PECA 2016. National CERT emphasized that consistent breaches undermine confidence in Pakistan’s digital ecosystem and place millions at risk of fraud and exploitation.
The advisory calls for urgent measures across organizations, including data classification by sensitivity, deployment of strict access controls, and mandatory encryption of all PII at rest and in transit. Entities are urged to update systems regularly, implement secure software development lifecycles, and establish clear protocols for breach detection and response. Retention of data should be limited strictly to legal requirements, while periodic audits of third-party service providers handling personal data must be made standard practice. Longer-term expectations include adoption of zero-trust models, disaster recovery readiness, and sustained training to build a cyber-aware workforce capable of resisting evolving threats. National CERT has stressed that safeguarding data is not merely a compliance exercise but a strategic necessity for business continuity and national resilience.
In addition to organizational responsibilities, the advisory highlights steps individuals must take to reduce exposure. Citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution when sharing CNICs or personal documents, limiting disclosure only when absolutely necessary, and clearly marking copies provided for specific uses such as SIM registration. Strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication must be applied across critical accounts, while oversharing of personal information online or with unverified providers should be avoided. The public has also been warned against downloading unverified applications that may exfiltrate sensitive data. By following these precautions, individuals can reduce personal risk while contributing to broader national security objectives.
National CERT has reinforced that immediate action is critical to safeguarding personal information, ensuring regulatory alignment, and restoring confidence in Pakistan’s digital environment. The call applies equally to institutions and individuals, underlining that cyber defense and data security are shared responsibilities necessary for the stability of the country’s digital infrastructure.
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