Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan has strongly rejected reports circulating on social media alleging a breach of its database, describing the claims as false and misleading. In an official statement, HEC clarified that the information being shared online does not reflect any compromise of its systems and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified claims related to the matter.
According to HEC, the allegations surfaced through online discussions and social media posts claiming that sensitive records linked to the commission had been exposed through a database breach. Responding to the concerns, HEC said a swift internal investigation was initiated by its Cyber Security Operation Center to examine the authenticity of the claims and determine whether any institutional data had been compromised. Following the assessment, the commission stated that the sample records circulating online were found to be unrelated to HEC’s Degree Attestation system, which is widely used for academic document verification and authentication in Pakistan.
HEC emphasized that the investigation did not identify any evidence suggesting unauthorized access to its official database. The commission maintained that the records being presented online as proof of a breach were not connected to its systems, countering speculation that personal or educational information of applicants had been exposed. The clarification comes amid increasing public concern over cybersecurity risks and growing sensitivity around personal data protection, especially for institutions managing educational records and digital services. By addressing the issue publicly, HEC sought to reassure students, graduates, and stakeholders that its degree attestation infrastructure remains unaffected by the claims currently being circulated.
The commission also appealed to members of the public and social media users to act responsibly when sharing information online. HEC advised individuals to refrain from forwarding or amplifying unverified content that may contribute to confusion or unnecessary concern. Officials stressed the importance of relying on credible and official sources for updates regarding cybersecurity related matters, particularly when claims involve public institutions and digital systems handling sensitive records. The statement reflects HEC’s position that misinformation surrounding cybersecurity incidents can create avoidable uncertainty and undermine confidence in official platforms, making timely clarification essential when such reports emerge.
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