Pakistan Faces Surge in Cyberattacks Amid US-Iran Deal Fallout

In 2026, Pakistan has reported 253 cyberattacks, including a ransomware incident targeting a government entity that encrypted its data. The attacks are attributed to the evolving geopolitical landscape following a deal brokered by Pakistan between the US and Iran. Dr. Haider Abbas, Director General of PKCERT, stated that the ransomware attack necessitated data recovery from backups. To combat the rising threat, the government has mandated that all public and private organizations establish operational Cyber Security Operation Centres (SOCs) within six months. The Pakistan Information Security Framework 2026 (PISF 2026) is under review to set compliance standards. In 2024-2025, Pakistan faced a total of 927 cyberattacks, emphasizing the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. The national CERT is collaborating with international counterparts for threat intelligence sharing.

Key Points: • Pakistan recorded 253 cyberattacks in 2026, including a significant ransomware incident. • All organizations must establish operational Cyber Security Operation Centres within six months. • The Pakistan Information Security Framework 2026 is under review to enhance cybersecurity compliance.