The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has issued a public warning following a surge in cyberattacks across Pakistan, highlighting the increasing sophistication of hackers aiming to steal sensitive information. These threats involve fake websites, malicious QR codes, and phishing scams designed to mislead users and spread disinformation.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), HEC cautioned, “Cyberattacks are on the rise. Hackers are using deceptive links, QR codes, and phishing attempts to steal your data. Avoid unknown links, verify sources, install antivirus software, and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Public awareness is key to safeguarding Pakistan’s digital security.”
The alert comes amid a spike in cybercrime reports targeting individuals through multiple digital platforms.
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Tactics Used by Cybercriminals Include:
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Fake websites that mimic real ones using lookalike characters or shortened URLs
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Phishing messages resembling legitimate organizations
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Infected links from hacked social media accounts
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Urgent messages via WhatsApp or SMS prompting users to click suspicious links
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Malicious ads or websites with dangerous downloads
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QR codes redirecting users to harmful sites
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Malware embedded in files from unreliable sources
HEC’s Cyber Safety Recommendations:
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Never click unfamiliar links — hover to inspect the actual URL
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Rely only on verified sources like official government or NCERT sites
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Be cautious of forwarded messages and unsolicited QR codes
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Use antivirus software, enable MFA, and update passwords regularly
HEC stressed that personal vigilance is crucial to defending both individual data and the national digital infrastructure. By following these guidelines, users can better protect themselves against growing cyber threats.
