In a stark warning to both government and private organizations, the Cabinet Division has issued a cybersecurity advisory based on alarming findings from the Cisco Talos Annual Cybersecurity Attack Report 2024. The advisory exposes serious gaps in cybersecurity practices that have left sensitive data vulnerable to breaches — primarily due to human negligence, poor password habits, and the use of insecure systems.
Rising Threats Due to Weak Digital Behavior
According to the Cisco Talos report, the majority of cyberattacks reported in 2024 were not the result of advanced hacking techniques but rather exploited basic vulnerabilities in user behavior and outdated security setups. The absence of multi-factor authentication (MFA), weak identity management, unsecured VPNs, and the misuse of stolen credentials were among the top reasons hackers gained unauthorized access to critical systems.
These vulnerabilities were often enabled by users themselves, knowingly or unknowingly. Using predictable passwords, reusing login details across multiple platforms, and failing to regularly update systems were highlighted as common habits that gave attackers easy access to digital infrastructure.
Critical Recommendations for Cyber Hygiene
The Cabinet Division advisory emphasizes that many of the attacks could have been easily prevented through the implementation of basic cybersecurity practices, often referred to as cyber hygiene. This includes:
- Enforcing strong and unique password policies.
- Avoiding commonly used passwords such as birthdays or vehicle numbers.
- Refraining from configuring official emails on personal mobile devices.
- Never using personal gadgets to store or transfer official data.
To enhance security, the advisory strongly recommends encrypting all email attachments and sharing passwords through secure and separate channels, such as SMS or dedicated encrypted messaging apps.
Secure Your Digital Ecosystem
The advisory also includes a series of technology-focused recommendations:
- Mandate the use of two-factor or multi-factor authentication across all sensitive systems.
- Install and regularly update licensed antivirus software, firewalls, and anti-spam filters.
- Avoid relying solely on the default spam filters of free email services like Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook.
Another major point of concern was the insecure storage and sharing of official documents. The advisory explicitly warned against using cloud-based platforms for storing confidential data and discouraged uploading any official files to online tools, including PDF editors and translators, unless hosted on government-approved servers.
Avoid Risky Messaging Apps and Tools
In addition to technical safeguards, the advisory calls attention to unsafe communication channels. It discourages the sharing of sensitive or classified material through messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal, particularly if these platforms are hosted outside Pakistan. Instead, officials are urged to use official communication networks and tools approved by government agencies.
Users were also advised to use hardened scanners for digitizing documents, and to strictly avoid the use of cracked software or unverified third-party applications, which often serve as gateways for malware or surveillance tools.
Beware of Public Wi-Fi and Vendor Risks
One of the lesser-known but serious threats mentioned is public Wi-Fi networks. The advisory warns that public hotspots are often easily intercepted by cybercriminals, leading to credential theft or data leaks. Users should avoid accessing official accounts or documents over unsecured networks and instead rely on encrypted VPNs and private connections.
Vendors and external partners working with sensitive data were also addressed. The Cabinet Division urged organizations to follow a strict “need-to-know” policy when sharing data with third parties. Data should be shared in obfuscated or coded formats to minimize the risk of exposure if intercepted.
Stay Updated and Vigilant
To wrap up the advisory, the government stressed the importance of keeping all operating systems and applications updated. Patch management is a critical line of defense, as outdated systems are the most common entry point for cyberattacks.
All organizations, regardless of size or sector, are urged to conduct regular training sessions, update their cybersecurity protocols, and establish internal monitoring teams to detect unusual activity before it escalates.
With the growing dependence on digital platforms in Pakistan’s public and private sectors, this advisory serves as a wake-up call. Cybersecurity is no longer optional — it’s essential. Every careless click, reused password, or unsecured network could open the door to potentially devastating consequences.
