At least 39 key ministries and government departments have been alerted to the risks posed by the BlueLocker ransomware, which presents serious threats, including the potential for permanent data loss, operational disruptions, and exposure of sensitive information.
The Director General of the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT) has issued an advisory to high-ranking officials, including the Secretary Cabinet Division, the Secretary of Interior, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and heads of key agencies such as NACTA, FIA, and PEMRA, urging all recipients to take immediate steps to protect their systems. The advisory highlights that the ransomware targets a range of platforms, including Windows-based desktops, laptops, servers, and cloud storage systems.
BlueLocker encrypts files and demands a ransom for decryption, putting critical government operations at risk. CERT has advised the departments to promptly isolate any infected systems from their networks to prevent further spread and report incidents to relevant authorities.Â
This move follows previous cybersecurity incidents that have targeted other national institutions, prompting a heightened focus on protecting governmental digital infrastructure.
In addition to the core ministries, regulatory bodies like the Ministry of Finance, FBR, OGRA, and NITB were also warned about the threat. The CERT’s advisory stresses the importance of a quick response to mitigate any potential damage from these attacks, which, if successful, could severely affect public trust and national security.
The National CERT continues to monitor the situation closely, coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure that necessary security measures are implemented across all affected departments. As part of its ongoing efforts, CERT is providing technical assistance and resources to help strengthen the cybersecurity posture of critical national institutions.
