Govt issues advisory for Wi-Fi users in Pakistan

The government has classified Wi-Fi devices as insecure, prompting the National Information Technology Board (NITB) to release a security advisory for organizations.

This advisory emphasizes the cybersecurity risks associated with wireless networks and offers guidelines to strengthen their security.

According to the government, default security configurations and limited user awareness make wireless networks vulnerable to unauthorized access. Cybercriminals can exploit these weaknesses to install malware, steal sensitive information, and compromise systems.

To address these risks, the NITB recommends the following measures:

1. Update Default Credentials: Replace default usernames and passwords with strong, unique credentials for router access.
2. Strengthen Password Security: Use complex passwords combining letters, numbers, and special characters to secure your network.
3. Enable Secure Encryption: Implement advanced encryption protocols, such as WPA3, to protect data transmission.
4. Modify and Conceal SSID: Regularly update your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and hide it from public broadcasting to reduce visibility.
5. Disable Guest Networks: Prevent unauthorized access by turning off guest network features.
6. Perform Firmware Updates: Routinely update your router’s firmware to patch vulnerabilities and improve security.