National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT) has issued an urgent nationwide cybersecurity advisory in response to a growing wave of data breaches, identity theft, and privacy violations impacting Pakistani citizens. The advisory applies to both public and private entities, regardless of size or industry, that handle Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Organizations operating across on-premises, cloud, or hybrid infrastructures are all required to comply, as NCERT stressed that citizen data protection has become a critical issue demanding immediate attention.
Officials highlighted that vulnerabilities within organizations are being exploited due to weak internal controls, outdated technologies, unencrypted data transfers, and unsafe applications. Poor cyber hygiene practices have left many institutions exposed to operational disruptions, financial fraud, reputational damage, and potential penalties under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. The advisory drew attention to the National Cyber Security Policy 2021, which identifies data protection as a matter of national security. Breaches involving sensitive information such as CNIC numbers, health records, and financial details could, it warned, lead to exploitation by criminal networks and hostile entities while also eroding public trust in digital systems.
NCERT directed organizations to take immediate steps including data classification based on sensitivity, encryption of PII in both storage and transit, and strict access controls. Entities are instructed to implement secure software development practices, regularly patch and update systems, retain data only within legal requirements, and maintain clear incident response protocols. Organizations must also conduct audits of their third-party vendors to ensure compliance. Looking ahead, NCERT called for adoption of zero-trust security frameworks, preparation of disaster recovery mechanisms, and investment in workforce training to strengthen the cybersecurity culture within institutions. These measures, officials noted, are essential to creating long-term resilience in Pakistan’s data protection landscape.
The advisory also issued direct guidance for citizens, urging individuals to adopt stricter precautions when handling their own personal information. NCERT recommended limiting the sharing of CNICs or official documents to essential cases only, with copies clearly marked for intended use such as “For SIM registration only.” Citizens were also advised to create strong and unique passwords, activate multi-factor authentication, and avoid oversharing personal details on social media platforms. Another warning highlighted the risk of downloading unverified mobile applications, which remain a frequent cause of unauthorized data leaks.
NCERT emphasized that protecting personal data is no longer just a compliance requirement but a strategic national security priority. Officials warned that Pakistan continues to experience frequent cyberattacks targeting both government and private systems, reinforcing the urgency for immediate collective action. By urging institutions and individuals to strengthen defenses simultaneously, NCERT underlined the need to safeguard personal information and stabilize trust in the country’s digital ecosystem.
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