In a strong and coordinated response, Pakistan’s National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), in partnership with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), has issued an official advisory dispelling widespread social media rumors suggesting a nationwide shutdown of ATMs and online banking services.
The advisory comes in light of an uptick in misleading messages spreading rapidly across various platforms, falsely claiming that Pakistan’s banking systems were under threat, with ATMs allegedly out of service and digital transactions disrupted. CERT and SBP have categorically stated that these claims are baseless and designed to incite public anxiety.
According to CERT, all banking infrastructure across the country is functioning normally. ATMs, mobile banking applications, and internet banking portals continue to operate without any disruptions. The cybersecurity teams embedded within financial institutions are actively monitoring systems and, so far, have found no evidence of any credible cyberattack that could compromise banking services.
CERT labeled the viral posts as deliberate misinformation crafted to create confusion and mistrust among the public. The organization emphasized that such tactics are commonly used by malicious elements during times of heightened national tension or geopolitical pressure.
In its advisory, CERT called on citizens to completely disregard these fabricated reports and instead rely solely on official updates from banks or trusted government communication channels. It warned the public against forwarding unverified claims, as such actions could inadvertently fuel panic and disrupt public confidence in critical financial systems.
The State Bank of Pakistan also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the stability and security of the country’s financial system. In collaboration with CERT, SBP has intensified real-time threat monitoring and reinforced protective measures across banking networks to safeguard digital transactions and customer data.
To further strengthen financial cybersecurity, CERT shared a series of important safety tips for users:
- Be cautious while using ATMs. Visually inspect the machine for any suspicious devices or attachments that may indicate tampering or skimming.
- Never share sensitive banking information such as account numbers, Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), One-Time Passwords (OTPs), or online banking credentials with anyone.
- Avoid clicking on unknown or suspicious links received via SMS, email, or social media.
- Always log out from your internet banking account after completing a session, especially when using shared or public devices.
CERT also reminded the public that the threat of cyberattacks is a constant concern, particularly in the current geopolitical climate. In a related advisory earlier this week, CERT had warned of an increased risk of cyber threats targeting key national infrastructure, potentially originating from adversarial entities.
The recent wave of misinformation has prompted CERT to urge citizens to play a more active role in ensuring cyber hygiene and digital awareness. The agency stressed that public cooperation is essential in preventing the spread of fake news and reducing the chances of social disruption.
In case of any suspicious activity or attempted fraud, individuals are encouraged to immediately contact their respective banks. CERT has made it easier for users to report incidents by providing an official incident reporting form and a dedicated email for cybersecurity concerns. These measures are part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to enhance the resilience of its financial ecosystem against cyber threats.
As the digital economy continues to expand, cybersecurity and public awareness must go hand in hand. CERT and SBP’s proactive approach in addressing false claims and ensuring uninterrupted banking operations highlights the importance of trust, transparency, and vigilance in a time of heightened digital interconnectivity.
The advisory concludes with a call for unity and responsibility among citizens to protect the nation’s digital infrastructure. By staying informed and exercising caution, the public can help ensure that malicious misinformation campaigns do not succeed in creating unnecessary panic or undermining national institutions.
