New Delhi, June 22 (IANS) Pakistan recorded more than 5 million cyberattacks during the first three quarters of 2025 as the country’s rapidly expanding digital economy and growing reliance on online banking, mobile payments and e-commerce outpaced cybersecurity awareness and digital safety practices, according to a report.

A report by Maldives Insight highlighted that with smartphones increasingly serving as banking platforms, payment tools and repositories of personal information, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in digital transactions, mobile banking and e-commerce activity.

However, weak passwords, poor data protection practices and limited awareness of online threats have created significant vulnerabilities for users and institutions alike, it said.

Around 90 per cent of retail transactions in the country were conducted through digital channels during FY25, while mobile banking and e-wallet usage expanded rapidly. It’s Raast instant payment system processed hundreds of millions of transactions, reflecting the growing shift towards a cash-light economy.

Many users remain unfamiliar with basic online safety measures such as strong password management, multi-factor authentication and phishing detection, making them easy targets for cybercriminals.

The report noted that cybercriminals increasingly exploit human behaviour through fake calls, fraudulent websites and malicious links rather than relying solely on technical attacks.

More than 166,000 banking malware attacks and over 126,000 spyware incidents were detected during the period.

In addition, government departments, businesses, educational institutions and telecommunications providers have also been targeted.

Official figures cited in the report showed Pakistan recorded over 500 cybersecurity incidents in 2025, up from 410 incidents in 2024.

It further said that cybercrime in the country rose by 35 per cent in 2025, driven largely by WhatsApp hacking, online fraud and financial scams. More than 73,000 complaints were reportedly filed nationwide during the year.

Concerns over data privacy have also intensified amid reports that sensitive personal information and identity-related data have appeared on illicit online marketplaces. While authorities disputed some claims regarding the source of leaked data, the incidents raised broader questions about data governance and security oversight.

–IANS

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