Cybersecurity in Pakistan: Why It Matters for Every Citizen

1. A Growing Digital Nation

Pakistan’s internet usage is soaring, with over 100 million users and rapid expansion in e-commerce and online services.Pakistan Education ReviewLinkedIn Yet, this growth brings heightened exposure to cyber threats—including hacking, phishing, fraud, and AI-enhanced attacks.strafasia.comiicrpk.org

2. Nation Rising in Global Cybersecurity Rankings

According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Pakistan earned a top-tier Global Cybersecurity Index ranking in 2024, scoring high in legal, organizational, technical, capacity-building, and cooperation measures.Pakistan Education Review

3. Strengthening Defenses: New Institutions & Laws

• National Centre for Cyber Security (NCCS), launched in 2018, drives R&D and cybersecurity education across universities.Wikipedia

• National Cyber Emergency Response Team (PKCERT/nCERT), established in March 2024, leads national-level coordination on cyber incidents.Wikipedia

• National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) began operations in May 2024, replacing the FIA’s cyber wing and ensuring focused law enforcement on cybercrime.Wikipedia

• Legislative strides under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and National Cybersecurity Policy lay the legal foundation to fight cybercrime.risingpakistan.com.pkLinkedInPakistan Education Review

4. Challenges Still Ahead

• A severe skills gap persists, with limited cybersecurity expertise across both public and private sectors.iicrpk.orgstrafasia.com

• Public awareness remains low, making individuals susceptible to basic threats like phishing and malware.iicrpk.orgPakistan Education Review

• Over-reliance on foreign cybersecurity solutions weakens national resilience and innovation in local tech.strafasia.com

• Coordination across sectors remains fragmented; although CERT and CERT-Council frameworks are emerging to unify responses.RedditPakistan Education Reviewiicrpk.org

5. Alarming Incidents & Emerging Threats

Recent high-profile attacks highlight Pakistan’s vulnerability:

• A sophisticated malware network in Bahawalpur and Faisalabad used cracked software to spread info-stealers, earning millions.TechRadar

• A global cybercrime syndicate based in Pakistan affected millions and generated over $4.6 million, signaling systemic organized cyber threats.IT Pro

• The national internet firewall rollout, although meant for protection, has caused widespread slowdowns and may risk censorship. Economic losses are estimated around $300 million.ReutersThe Guardian

6. What Every Citizen & Business Can Do

• Stay alert online: Recognize phishing scams, suspicious downloads, and avoid pirated software.TechRadarIT Pro

• Adopt good practices: Use strong, unique passwords; turn on multi-factor authentication; regularly update devices; use trusted security tools.

• Support awareness: Education is key—initiatives by PKCERT, NCCS, and academia play critical roles.iicrpk.org

• Advocate for better policy: Push for more local cybersecurity development, cohesive regulation, and transparent industry collaboration.