Cybersecurity Alert: Federal ministries, depts warned of malicious emails, Whatsapp msgs

ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Division has issued a warning to all federal ministries and departments due to a series of reported cyber-attacks. These attacks involve the use of fake emails and WhatsApp messages attributed to government departments, which has raised significant concerns about the security of sensitive government information.

One notable aspect highlighted in the warning is the impersonation of government departments. The fraudulent emails came from an email ID falsely claiming to be “JS (COORD)” and also from fake IDs associated with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and PM Secretariat. Such impersonation is a clear attempt to deceive government officials and raises red flags, according to a report published in The News.

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Furthermore, these fake emails contain malicious attachments that encourage recipients to download files onto their computers. This tactic is commonly employed in cyber-attacks to introduce malware or gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.

The seriousness of the situation is evident in the letter, which advises all federal ministries to exercise caution while the matter is being investigated “at the highest level.” This underscores the gravity of the situation and emphasizes the need for immediate action to address the threat.

In conclusion, the warning letter from the Cabinet Division highlights the gravity of the cyber threats faced by federal ministries and departments and emphasizes the need for immediate actions to enhance cybersecurity and prevent further attacks. Government officials and departments are urged to exercise extreme caution when dealing with emails and messages from unfamiliar or suspicious sources.