Pakistan’s key ministries and government departments are potentially the target of a dangerous cyberattack, which experts describe as a serious threat to the country’s digital security. In this regard, the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT) has issued a high alert to all sensitive institutions, warning them about ransomware called BlueLocker.
In a letter sent by National CERT’s Director General, Dr. Haider Abbas, to the heads of 39 ministries and major national institutions, it was stated that the intensity of the BlueLocker ransomware attack is extremely severe. It can target Windows-based desktops, laptops, servers, networks, and cloud storage.
The letter has been sent to the federal cabinet, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Security Division, Election Commission, National Assembly, FBR, PEMRA, NDMA, OGRA, NITB, and numerous other ministries, including Finance, Communications, IT & Telecom, Law & Justice, Railways, Commerce, Industries & Production, Science & Technology, and Religious Affairs.
پاکستان کی 39 وزارتوں اور اہم اداروں کو خطرناک سائبر حملے کا خطرہ الرٹ جاری کر دیا گیا pic.twitter.com/pxdjLmRL9v
— Ñòòŕ (@MaahNoor_1) August 10, 2025
In its advisory, National CERT has made it clear that in the event of an attack, there is a risk of permanent data loss, disruption of business operations, and leakage of sensitive information.
“BlueLocker is spreading through trojanized downloads, phishing emails, unsecured file-sharing platforms, and hacked websites. This virus not only disables antivirus software but also spreads across the network with the ability to steal sensitive data and lock files to demand ransom.”
Institutions have been instructed to immediately strengthen the security of Windows computers, email, and web systems; avoid downloads from unverified sources and clicking on suspicious links or files; maintain offline and secure backups; and provide employees with immediate training to recognize suspicious emails and cyberattacks.
