In today’s digital world, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp play a vital role in our daily lives, helping us connect and share. However, these platforms also carry hidden risks. Pakistan’s National CERT has released Advisory NCA-31.060325 to alert users about these dangers and promote safe and responsible social media use.
The advisory highlights six major threats often overlooked by users:
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Misinformation and Disinformation: False or misleading content can confuse the public, influence opinions, and cause unrest.
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Digital Propaganda: Manipulated videos and fake narratives spread to manipulate public perception.
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Online Fraud and Scams: Phishing, impersonation, and fake investment schemes deceive users into giving away sensitive data or money.
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Cyber Harassment: Cyberbullying, doxxing, and blackmail increasingly target vulnerable groups, especially women and children.
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Privacy Invasion: Many apps track user data without consent for profit or manipulation.
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Emotional Manipulation: Platforms use addictive features and unrealistic content to impact mental health.
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To stay safe, the advisory urges users to create strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, carefully manage privacy settings, verify suspicious content before sharing, and remain skeptical of messages asking for money or personal information. Reporting incidents of scams, harassment, or impersonation with evidence is critical.
Pakistan offers official channels to report cyber incidents through FIA-NCCIA, PTA, and National CERT websites. Most social media platforms also provide in-app reporting tools.
The advisory concludes by emphasizing that digital safety is a shared responsibility. Users must think before posting, question before trusting, and protect their online presence as seriously as their real-world safety. Reporting suspicious content quickly helps minimize harm to individuals and communities.
