CERT warns of cyber threats ahead of Eid
Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD : Ahead of Eid ul Azha holidays the Pakistan’s National Computer Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has issued an advisory for citizens to use social media responsibly and stay alert to rising cyber threats.
The CERT flagged a worrying increase in cyber incidents affecting children, including exposure to explicit content and online grooming.
While, women continue to face persistent threats such as imagebased abuse and digital harassment, compounded by inadequate reporting channels and low digital literacy.
“In an era where every click, like, and share shapes public discourse and personal security, responsible usage of social media was essential,” the advisory added.
The National CERT Advisory -” Safe, Diligent, and Responsible Usage of Social Media”, has painted a stark picture of the digital threat landscape in Pakistan, highlighting risks that affect millions particularly children, women, and elderly users—who are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation, misinformation, emotional manipulation, and online abuse.
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The advisory encourages all Pakistanis to play their part in fostering a safer digital environment. “We must not just consume the digital world—we must care for it,” the statement reads.
“Pause before you post. Question before you click. Protect your privacy. And report what’s wrong. Together, we can build a safer, smarter internet.”
National CERT urges institutions, educators, parents, and digital users of all ages to become proactive digital citizens, practicing caution and ethics to ensure that technology remains a force for good.
It added that there were more than 67 million social media user identities in Pakistan, representing 26.4 percent of the total population.
Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and Facebook dominate the digital space, especially among youth, providing avenues for expression, education, and activism.
However, the advisory warns that these platforms are also fertile ground for disinformation campaigns, phishing scams, impersonation, harassment, and algorithmdriven psychological manipulation.
Among the most alarming concerns is the intentional spread of false narratives to manipulate public opinion and erode trust in institutions, especially around elections or national events.
Online fraud has also surged, with phishing scams and fake investment offers luring citizens into sharing passwords and financial details. Cyberbullying, blackmail, and doxxing disproportionately target women and children, often leading to emotional distress and safety concerns. The manipulation of user emotions through provocative content and the constant comparison promoted by curated online lives has also contributed to increasing stress and mental health issues.
To counter these risks, the advisory outlines key digital hygiene practices such as use of strong, unique passwords with multifactor authentication, limiting the sharing of realtime location data, regular device and software updates and using reputable antivirus tools. Users are encouraged to think critically before reacting to emotionally charged content and to avoid sharing financial information or clicking suspicious links.
The advisory emphasizes applying the “T.H.R.” test is it True, Helpful, and Respectful?—before posting online.
The National CERT also raised concerns over the use of fake news and digital propaganda by both foreign and domestic actors. These efforts are often disguised as viral trends or community campaigns and are designed to destabilize social cohesion and democratic processes. “Unchecked disinformation erodes trust, incites conflict, and weakens public institutions. In the digital era, misinformation is a weapon, and awareness is our best defense,” the advisory stated.
To help citizens respond to online threats, the advisory has asked citizens to contact relevant authorities in case of online threats.
