National Computer Emergency Response Team (nCERT) has issued an urgent advisory for internet users in Pakistan, cautioning against growing cyber threats across social media platforms. The advisory, titled “Safe, Diligent, and Responsible Usage of Social Media,” serves as a nationwide alert for over 66.9 million online users—amounting to nearly 26.4% of the population—who actively engage on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and YouTube. With online interactions becoming deeply embedded in daily life, the advisory underscores a wide range of digital risks that continue to escalate.
Among the highlighted concerns, misinformation, disinformation, and organized propaganda remain key threats. These misleading forms of content are designed to manipulate emotions and rapidly spread falsehoods that can disrupt public discourse, create unrest, or skew democratic outcomes. Content that provokes outrage or fear often spreads more quickly than verified information, increasing the risk of societal division. nCERT emphasizes the importance of remaining critical of sensational content, especially during politically charged moments or national crises, when manipulated narratives tend to circulate widely and are often accepted without verification.
The advisory also draws attention to the sharp rise in cybercrime, particularly scams and impersonation tactics that exploit personal vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals are using phishing links, fake business accounts, and fraudulent offers to deceive individuals and steal personal data or financial assets. A growing number of these incidents involve cyberbullying and identity abuse, targeting women and minors. Grooming, blackmail, and the unauthorized distribution of personal content—commonly referred to as doxxing—have caused significant psychological harm. These incidents often leave long-lasting effects and reflect deeper social vulnerabilities that require urgent attention.
In response, nCERT recommends adopting strong digital hygiene practices to mitigate risks. Users are advised to use unique passwords for each account, activate multi-factor authentication, regularly update software and apps, and turn off location tracking where possible. Privacy settings should be carefully reviewed to manage who can access shared content. The advisory also encourages capturing screenshots of suspicious messages or activities, which can serve as evidence when reporting incidents. The manipulation of attention through algorithmic content is also flagged as a significant issue, particularly for young users who are more susceptible to mental health impacts due to constant exposure and compulsive scrolling behavior.
To ensure prompt action, users are encouraged to report any suspicious or harmful online activity to national authorities such as FIA-NCCIA, PTA, or nCERT. Reporting is considered a critical step in tracking patterns of digital abuse and ensuring accountability. Citizens are also urged to pause and reflect before engaging with or sharing content that appears provocative or unverified. This approach can help reduce the spread of misinformation and protect the integrity of online spaces.
The advisory calls on individuals to stay vigilant, apply secure practices, and promote responsible behavior online. By making informed decisions and encouraging safer usage habits, every user can contribute to creating a more secure digital environment. With a large portion of the population now active online, collective responsibility is essential to reducing risks and strengthening digital resilience across Pakistan.
