Pakistan’s National Computer Emergency Team (NCERT) is warning government officials and citizens about a wave of malicious Android applications targeting them. These apps, available on the Google Play Store, are designed to steal sensitive data, including personal information and financial details.
According to the NCERT advisory, these “Advanced Persistent Threats” (APTs) can access a user’s media files, contact lists, calendars, call logs, and message logs. In a shocking revelation, some apps even offer to sell the Personal Identifiable Information (PII) of Pakistani citizens for money.
To stay safe, NCERT urges users to download applications only from trusted sources on the Google Play Store and avoid third-party app stores or unknown developers. Users should also carefully read app reviews and privacy policies before downloading, and refrain from granting unnecessary permissions to apps.
Here are some key security measures recommended by NCERT:
- Read Privacy Policies: Always review an app’s privacy policy before installing it.
- Enable Google Play Protect: Google Play Protect offers built-in security features, so keep it enabled.
- Update Your Phone: Regularly update your phone’s operating system to stay protected against known vulnerabilities.
- Be Wary of Emails: Don’t open emails or attachments from suspicious sources.
- No Official Data on Phones: Avoid storing sensitive or official data on your smartphone.
- Disable Location Services: Turn off location services on your phone, especially in sensitive locations.
- Strong Passwords: Use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts.
- Antivirus Software: Install a reputable antivirus and anti-malware software with up-to-date signatures.
NCERT has disseminated the advisory to all government departments and provincial governments, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and implementing these security measures to safeguard Pakistani citizens from these cyber threats.
