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Report On Cyber Security and Pakistan

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40 views7 pages

Report On Cyber Security and Pakistan

Uploaded by

i232135
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CY2004

Cyber Security

Assignment 04

Report on Pakistan and Cyber Security

Submitted by: Shaezmina Amin


Laiba Yousaf
Roll number: 23i-2048
23i-2135
Date: 27th October, 2024
Table of Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................3
Pakistan’s Digital Landscape........................................................................................................................3
Steps taken for implementation of cyber security;......................................................................................4
Cyber Security Threats in Pakistan...............................................................................................................4
Challenges Facing Cyber Security in Pakistan...............................................................................................5
Steps to Improve Cyber Security in Pakistan................................................................................................6
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................6
Cybersecurity and Pakistan

Introduction

Cybersecurity involves of protection of computers, networks, and data from


harmful attacks. It is of immense importance in today's interconnected world to
prevent data breaches and interruptions in crucial services. Now if we talk about
Pakistan’s digital landscape, Pakistan’s reliance on technology and internet has
escalated especially across the sectors like government, banking, defense,
education, etc. So Implementation of Cybersecurity plays a pivotal role in the
growth and wellbeing of the country.

Pakistan’s Digital Landscape

The digital media landscape in Pakistan is experiencing rapid growth and


expansion. Currently, the total number of internet users in Pakistan is 111
million. As of now, there are approximately 71.7 million social media users in
the country and the number is on an upward trajectory. The popularity of
Social Media platforms illustrates this growing engagement, highlighting a
shift in societal interactions and media consumption. Among the various
messaging applications, WhatsApp has gained substantial traction and now
boasts around 52.3 million users across Pakistan. Following are some other
examples to exhibit Pakistan’s reliance on technology and internet. (Cyber
security– imperative for Pakistan’s digital landscape, n.d.)

 The NADRA uses digital platforms to manage citizens' data and issue
identity cards.
 Many major banks like HBL and UBL have their own mobile banking apps
which allow transferring money, paying bills, or managing one's accounts
online.
 Fintechs such as JazzCash and Easypaisa provide mobile wallet services for
quick and secure transactions.
 The Virtual University of Pakistan is a fully digital university that offers
online degrees, enabling remote access to education.

Steps taken for implementation of cyber security;

Pakistan has played its role towards improving itself when it comes to
Cybersecurity by forming laws and regulations. For the purpose of defining
electronic crime, investigation and prosecution process in relation to electronic
crimes on National Assembly passed Prevention of Electric Crimes Act PECA-2016.
(Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, n.d.)

Moreover, government of Pakistan introduced Cyber Security Policy 2021.


(Cybersecurity, n.d.)It aimed at improving cyber defense of the country by taking
following measures;

 Develop and establish a broad governance framework, that addresses the


importance of critical information systems infrastructure.
 Promote data governance, data protection, and online privacy.
 Develop systems to enable broad-scale cybersecurity awareness

In addition to this policy, the cybercrime Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency
(FIA) has been mandated and tasked to introduce Cyber Patrolling Units (CPUs) to
keep a round-the-clock check on local social media.

Cyber Security Threats in Pakistan

There are many various types of threats that Pakistan is battling with at the
moment for example;

 Data breaches:

It is unauthorized access to sensitive data, leading to identity theft,


financial loss, and national security risks. One example of data breach attack
faced by Pakistan was an attack on FBR where FBR suffered a cyber security
breach after its software – Microsoft Hyper-V – was not timely updated, the
hackers managed to paralyze and slow down FBR’s operations for several
hours, along with this they had possession of confidential data of taxpayers
which was later put on sale on a Russian forum for $30,000. (Pro Pakistani,
n.d.)
 Ransomware Attacks;

In this malicious software encrypts data or locks systems until a ransom is


paid, causing interruption in critical services. Most recently Pakistan faced
the same attack when K-Electric, the company managing distribution of
power to a metropolitan, was attacked, the attackers threatened the
management to pay a ransom of $7 million, or they would leak the
information of KE’s customers on the dark web. (DAWN, n.d.)
 Phishing scams;

Sensitive data is accessed through manipulative means, one example of


this attack in Pakistan would be deceptive and fraudulent emails and
messages of Covid vaccination which would demand the victims to reveal
their personal data in order to register themselves for the vaccination.

Challenges Facing Cyber Security in Pakistan

Pakistan encounters many challenges specifically related to cybersecurity which


include lack of awareness and education, skills shortage in cybersecurity, limited
resources and infrastructure, etc. Many people living in rural areas may fall for
phishing scams due to unawareness with cyber threats, added to this, small
businesses may overlook the need for cybersecurity basics such as antivirus
softwares or data backups. Pakistan has limited number of cybersecurity
specialists means that sectors like banking, telecommunications often struggle to
find qualified experts in order to protect their systems. Smaller banks often find it
hard to invest in top-tier cybersecurity solution. This in turn results in Pakistan
being vulnerable to threats and attacks on a greater level.

Steps to Improve Cyber Security in Pakistan

Looking at the current situation of Pakistan, it is bound to take actions to achieve


better means of protecting itself from being vulnerable to numerous attacks. In
order to do this, following steps can be taken;

 Increase public awareness; launch campaigns for citizens, small businesses,


and students to educate them on topics such as password management,
safe internet practices and recognizing different scams.
 Encourage cybersecurity talent; work with institutes and companies to offer
special cybersecurity courses and workshops. Added to this, offer better
salaries to cybersecurity professionals to retain them in Pakistan.
 Increase Budget for Cybersecurity Infrastructure; establish Security
Operation Centers to detect, respond and overcome cyber threats
effectively.
 Collaborate Internationally; encourage cybersecurity professionals in
Pakistan to take part in conferences and workshops internationally to get
acknowledged on global trends and threats.

Conclusion
To sum it up, cyberspace is somewhat far from full bloom in pakistan as a lot has
yet to come but Pakistan offers much more. Pakistan needs to start taking
measures for safety and security of its valuable information
References

(n.d.). Retrieved from Pro Pakistani: https://propakistani.pk/2021/08/23/heres-a-recap-of-major-recent-


cyber-attacks-in-pakistan/

(n.d.). Retrieved from DAWN: https://www.dawn.com/news/1578882

Cyber security– imperative for Pakistan’s digital landscape. (n.d.). Retrieved from Pakistan Today:
https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2024/09/06/cyber-security-imperative-for-pakistans-digital-
landscape/

Cybersecurity. (n.d.). Retrieved from Pakistan Commercial Guide: https://www.trade.gov/country-


commercial-guides/pakistan-cybersecurity

Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016. (n.d.). Retrieved from PCSW:


https://pcsw.punjab.gov.pk/prevention-of-electronic-crimes-act-2016

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