ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has issued a cybersecurity advisory to banks, financial institutions and operators of critical national infrastructure, warning of growing threats from artificial intelligence (AI)-powered automated cyberattacks.
The advisory urges relevant institutions to strengthen their cybersecurity measures amid concerns that AI, automated bots and advanced digital tools could be used to target banking systems.
According to the advisory, cyber attackers could attempt to gain unauthorised access to customers’ bank accounts and manipulate displayed account balances, potentially showing inaccurate financial information even when the actual funds remain unchanged. Such activities could create panic among customers and undermine confidence in the financial system.
National CERT has also warned that the threat extends beyond the banking sector. Refineries, oil and gas pipelines, and electricity systems could also become potential targets of cyberattacks.
The advisory highlights the risk of unauthorised interference with industrial control systems, which could disrupt the normal operations of critical infrastructure.
Banks Directed to Strengthen Security Measures
National CERT has instructed banks to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) and continuously monitor suspicious transactions and unusual online activities.
Financial institutions have also been advised to restrict direct internet access to critical operational systems and maintain separation between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) networks.
Furthermore, relevant organisations have been directed to improve their incident response capabilities and strengthen business continuity plans to ensure that essential services remain operational in the event of a potential cyberattack.
The advisory underscores the importance of stronger cybersecurity arrangements to protect financial systems, sensitive information and critical national infrastructure against emerging digital threats.
