National Cyber Emergency Response Team warns of hostile attacks on govt websites, asks to shift to read-only mode 

The National Cyber Emergency Response Team has directed government departments to move official websites into “read-only” mode following heightened concerns over possible cyberattacks targeting Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.

In an advisory issued to government institutions, the National Cyber Emergency Response Team warned that the threat of hostile cyber activity against government websites and digital platforms had increased.

The advisory stated that shifting websites to “read-only” mode would help prevent unauthorised modifications, propaganda activity and attacks aimed at disrupting official digital services.

Authorities were instructed to immediately limit website modification requests, disable forms and login systems, and strengthen database security measures.

According to the advisory, attackers could exploit website contact forms, search bars and upload functions to gain access to sensitive citizen data or establish persistent access through malicious web shells.

The National Cyber Emergency Response Team also warned that hackers could use complex backend queries to launch denial-of-service attacks capable of disrupting government services.

The advisory identified threats from state-sponsored advanced persistent threat groups as well as ideologically motivated hacktivists.

Officials stated that such attacks could be aimed at obtaining long-term access to government systems or defacing public websites to spread misinformation and undermine public trust.

The National Cyber Emergency Response Team stressed the need for immediate preventive measures to secure government digital infrastructure against cyber threats.