Analysis Summary

In the wake of the recent armed hostilities between India and Pakistan, national attention is rightfully focused on security, defense, and diplomacy. However, while kinetic conflict dominates headlines, a parallel front is also intensifying the cyber domain.

Threat Overview

Cybercriminals and state-aligned threat actors are actively exploiting the current unrest to initiate attacks on Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. The likelihood of cyberattacks on government institutions, military networks, financial entities, and critical infrastructure has significantly increased. Based on ongoing intelligence and observed TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures), the following types of cyber threats are highly probable during this tense period:

• Phishing Attacks: Threat actors may impersonate military alerts, humanitarian relief notices, or urgent government directives. These phishing lures often carry malware, seek to harvest credentials, or provide entry points for more complex intrusions.
• Ransomware Incidents: Opportunistic groups may exploit unpatched vulnerabilities in public systems or staff distraction to execute ransomware attacks that encrypt files and demand payment, often in cryptocurrency. These could target hospitals, law enforcement databases, and ministries.
• Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks against Pakistani government websites and online portals are increasingly likely. These attacks are designed to overwhelm digital services, disrupt information flow, and create panic among the public.
• Data Breaches: State-sponsored actors may prioritize the theft of sensitive information from defense, foreign affairs, and communication sectors. Leaked data can be used for psychological operations or media manipulation.
• Hacktivism: Indian hacktivists become increasingly active during this time of the month, mainly focusing on either government or corporate targets. The methods used by hacktivists can vary wildly, for example, using DDoS attacks to take down Pakistani websites or causing website defacement.

Previous Incidents

In the past, incidents of cyberattacks involving

• May 2024: ICF claimed breaches of Sindh Police, University of Balochistan, and Azad Kashmir Supreme Court, leaking internal HR records and credentials.
• April 2025: Post-Pahalgam attack, India’s cyber command intensified offensive actions against Pakistani financial and oil sector targets.
• Maritime Spear-Phishing Campaign: SideWinder APT group targeted defense contractors using fake Pakistani government domains.
• FBR 2021 Hack: Major breach by exploiting Microsoft Hyper-V vulnerabilities, disabling the tax authority’s digital services.

With an increase in cybercrime, cyber espionage, and cyber warfare, Pakistan is facing several cybersecurity concerns. As a result, many hacker groups have begun to target the nation's essential infrastructure, such as financial institutions, military and government networks, and power and energy systems.

Recommended Mitigation Measures

To counter these threats and ensure the safety and integrity of our digital assets, we strongly advise the following proactive measures:

• Reinforce cybersecurity awareness among all staff members, stressing the importance of scrutinizing emails and links, using strong passwords, and applying software updates promptly.
• Along with network and system hardening, code hardening should be implemented within the organization so that their websites and software are secure. Use testing tools to detect any vulnerabilities in the deployed codes.
• Enable two-factor authentication.
• Enable antivirus and anti-malware software and update signature definitions promptly. Using a multi-layered protection is necessary to secure vulnerable assets.
• Do not download documents attached in emails from unknown sources and strictly refrain from enabling macros when the source isn’t reliable.
• Enforce Access Management Policies
• Enforce MFA across all critical systems and accounts to add an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.
• Maintain up-to-date and regularly tested backups of critical data to facilitate quick recovery in case of a ransomware incident.
• Keep all software, operating systems, and applications up to date with the latest security patches to address known vulnerabilities.
• Review and update the organization's incident response plan, ensuring that all stakeholders are aware of their roles and responsibilities in the event of a cyber incident.
• Establish continuous network monitoring to detect and respond to any unusual activities promptly.
• Collaborate with national and international cybersecurity agencies to exchange threat intelligence and stay informed about emerging threats.
• Raise public awareness about potential cyber threats during Independence Day celebrations and encourage citizens to adopt cybersecurity best practices.

By taking these precautions, we can collectively fortify our defenses and thwart potential cyberattacks during this significant period. Please remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities immediately, and work together to safeguard our digital sovereignty and national security.