Pakistan is under siege in the digital realm, with an alarming surge in cyberattacks. A recent revelation by cybersecurity experts at Kaspersky uncovers a critical situation: Seven sophisticated hacking groups are relentlessly targeting the nation’s vital sectors.
The country is grappling with a staggering one million attacks monthly, a frequency that demands urgent attention. From January to September 2025, the numbers are startling: over 5.3 million on-device attacks and 2.5 million web-based threats thwarted. But here’s where it gets controversial—the true extent of the damage remains undisclosed, especially in the banking and financial sectors.
The attackers’ arsenal includes USB-borne malware, phishing campaigns, and even exploiting software vulnerabilities in everyday tools like 7-Zip and Microsoft Office. And this is the part most people miss—the stolen data often ends up on the Dark Web, a hidden marketplace for illicit activities. Ransomware, a notorious threat, continues to target high-profile victims, demanding hefty ransoms.
Among the APT groups, ‘Mysterious Elephant’ stands out with its aggressive campaigns in the Asia-Pacific region. Their methods are stealthy and effective, employing spear-phishing and exploit kits to steal sensitive data, even from encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp. Once inside a network, they swiftly gain control and extract valuable information.
To combat these threats, Kaspersky emphasizes the need for proactive measures. Individuals should practice good cyber hygiene, including robust device security, regular updates, and data backups. Organizations, on the other hand, must fortify their IT infrastructure, adopt advanced detection systems like XDR, and ensure employees are trained to recognize and respond to emerging threats.
As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, the need for a unified defense strategy is evident. Pakistan’s government and businesses must collaborate to share threat intelligence and implement robust security practices. But the question remains: In the face of such relentless attacks, can Pakistan’s digital defenses hold strong? Share your thoughts below.