Pakistan’s National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has issued a critical cybersecurity advisory for all individuals, businesses, and organizations that handle the personal information of Pakistani citizens.
The advisory comes amid a sharp rise in data breaches, identity theft, and privacy violations across multiple sectors. It applies to any entity that collects, stores, processes, or transmits Personally Identifiable Information (PII), whether on local servers, cloud platforms, or hybrid environments.
Highlighting the importance of citizen data protection under the National Cyber Security Policy 2021, the advisory warns that weak internal controls, outdated systems, unencrypted data flows, and poor cyber hygiene can leave organizations exposed to financial fraud, operational disruption, reputational damage, and potential penalties under laws like PECA 2016. Sensitive data such as CNIC numbers, health records, or financial information is particularly at risk of misuse by criminal or hostile actors.
To strengthen cybersecurity, organizations are urged to:
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Classify data based on sensitivity and apply strict access controls
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Encrypt personal data both in storage and during transmission
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Keep all software and systems up to date
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Adopt secure development practices and retain PII only as legally required
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Establish clear breach response protocols and audit third-party vendors
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Align with regulatory standards, implement zero-trust principles, and maintain disaster recovery readiness
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Train staff regularly to build a security-aware workforce
Individuals are also advised to protect their personal information by:
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Sharing CNICs and sensitive documents only when necessary, clearly labeling copies (e.g., “For SIM registration only”)
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Using strong, unique passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication
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Avoiding oversharing personal details online or with unverified service providers
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Refraining from downloading apps from unofficial sources that may compromise personal data
National CERT stresses that safeguarding personal information is not just a legal obligation but a strategic necessity. Prompt action by organizations and individuals is essential to secure data, protect national digital infrastructure, and maintain public confidence in Pakistan’s cyber ecosystem.
