The National Telecom and Information Technology Security Board (NTISB) has released an urgent advisory alerting users to the escalating risk of cyber attacks in Pakistan.
This advisory raises significant concerns regarding the utilization of VPNs, artificial intelligence applications, and dubious web browser extensions, urging the public to remain vigilant.
The NTISB reports the emergence of a new series of cyber attacks, with hackers focusing on personal and sensitive data.
Browser extensions, widely employed by millions, have been recognized as a major vehicle for data theft.
Cybercriminals can manipulate these extensions to capture credentials from social media sites such as Facebook and online banking platforms.
The advisory has identified 16 frequently used browser extensions, including AI-driven tools like ChatGPT-4 and Gemini for Chrome, categorizing them as potentially hazardous. Additionally, free VPNs and unverified AI chatbots have been marked as suspicious software.
Key recommendations:
- Avoid using free or unverified browser extensions and VPNs.
- Install only trusted and reputable browser extensions and update them regularly.
- Use licenced antivirus software to enhance cybersecurity.
The NTISB stressed that users must remain vigilant and choose alternatives to potentially harmful extensions to protect their personal data.
The advisory also warns that without preventive measures, hackers could exploit vulnerabilities to access sensitive information through phishing campaigns and compromised software.
