ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT) has stepped in to set the record straight amid swirling rumours about Automated Teller Machine (ATM) shutdowns and disrupted online banking services, sparked by rising tensions between Pakistan and India.
Brushing aside the hearsay, NCERT declared the claims of cyberattacks as nothing more than a storm in a teacup.
NCERT clarified that no cyberattack has occurred and all ATMs and online banking systems are functioning normally.
In its advisory, NCERT reassured the public that, given the heightened cyber warfare concerns linked to regional tensions, all relevant agencies—including NCERT itself and financial institutions—are on high alert and ready to nip any threat in the bud.
Advisory to counter disinformation
To keep things from spiralling out of control, NCERT urged citizens to steer clear of falsehoods that could sow panic and confusion.
Citizens have been strongly advised: to avoid sharing sensitive banking details like PINs and passwords; be wary of clicking on suspicious links that may lead to phishing scams; and always double-check the source before believing or forwarding information found on social media.
Reaffirming its commitment, NCERT assured the public that the government is continuously monitoring the situation closely, guaranteeing national security and financial stability.
