Analysis Summary

To protect our digital infrastructure from any cyber threats, we must continue to be cautious and attentive as Pakistan's Independence Day draws near. Cybercriminals regularly take advantage of important occasions and public holidays to initiate hostile cyberattacks that may compromise our confidential information, interfere with vital systems, and jeopardize our security as a country.

Threat Overview

According to recent intelligence, there is a higher chance that Pakistani government institutions, organizations, and citizens would be the target of cyberattacks before and during the country's Independence Day celebrations. Threat actors might try to take advantage of the joyous occasion and any possible diversions to engage in a variety of online crimes, such as but not restricted to:

• Phishing Attacks: Adversaries may pose as official communications or offer alluring content relating to Independence Day, and they may do this by sending misleading emails, social media messages, or harmful links. Phishing attempts have the potential to result in malware installation, unapproved data access, or system compromise.
• Ransomware Incidents: Attacks using ransomware are more likely to occur, impair important processes, and demand ransom payments. Vulnerabilities could be used by attackers to take advantage of unpatched systems and obtain unauthorized access.
• Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks: DDoS attacks are a tactic used by cybercriminals to overwhelm government websites and services, making them unreachable and disrupting services.
• Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to confidential government information may happen, which could lead to data leaks, the release of sensitive information, or harm to one's reputation.
• 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 Indian hackers targeting Pakistan have been reported. Near the end of May, an Indian-linked advanced persistent threat (APT) group named SideWinder initiated an attack campaign that used Pakistani government-themed domain names for malicious operations like cyber espionage and data theft. Later in July, maritime facilities in various countries, including Pakistan, were targeted by the same APT group to conduct spear-phishing.
• Another recent cyber incident happened on 2nd May 2024, when R00TK1T claimed to execute a sophisticated attack on the database infrastructure of Sindh Police, compromising its security defenses. The breach enabled unauthorized access to a wealth of confidential information related to police officers.
• A significant attack occurred in 2021 when hackers targeted Pakistan's largest data center operated by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). They exploited vulnerabilities in Microsoft's Hyper-V software, leading to the disruption of official websites managed by the tax authority. These attacks have included attempts on government websites associated with the Foreign Office and public organizations.
• On Pakistan's 70th anniversary of independence, Indian hackers breached several government websites, displaying the Indian flag and anthem. Similarly, in 2015, a group known as 'Hell Shield Hackers' claimed responsibility for taking down approximately 100 Pakistani business websites as a gesture in honor of Indian soldiers on Independence Day.

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.