Beware of Fake Ransomware Rumors: The Truth About ATM Closures and Online Banking in Pakistan

In today’s digital age, misinformation spreads quickly, causing unnecessary panic and confusion. Recently, false rumors about ATM closures and disruptions in online banking services have been circulating on social media and messaging platforms. The National CERT, in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and other key stakeholders, has issued an advisory to address these concerns and reassure the public that these claims are entirely baseless.

No Reported Incidents – Banking Services Are Operating Smoothly

The National CERT, alongside the SBP, confirms that no credible cyber threats have been observed that would justify the rumored actions. ATMs across Pakistan are functioning normally, and online banking services remain secure and operational. The cybersecurity teams at financial institutions are actively monitoring for any potential threats and are fully prepared to mitigate them if necessary.

Stay Informed: Disregard Fake News and Rely on Official Sources

The public is strongly advised to ignore these false rumors. Instead, always seek accurate information directly from your bank or financial institution. The State Bank of Pakistan is working closely with banks and the National CERT to maintain the security and resilience of Pakistan’s financial infrastructure, especially in the digital payment space.

Protect Yourself: Practical Tips for Safe Banking

To further ensure your financial safety, consider the following recommendations:

1. Stay Vigilant: Always be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs or conducting online transactions. Report any suspicious activities to your bank immediately.
2. Protect Your Information: Never share your payment card details, PINs, OTPs, User IDs, or passwords with anyone. Cybercriminals often exploit such information to commit fraud.
3. Inspect ATMs: Before using an ATM, check for any unusual attachments that might be used to steal your card data.
4. Avoid Suspicious Links: Be cautious about clicking on links from unknown sources, as they could lead to phishing sites designed to steal your information.
5. Secure Your Session: Always log out of your online banking session after completing your transactions to prevent unauthorized access.
6. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your bank statements and immediately report any unauthorized transactions or lost cards to your bank.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you encounter any suspicious activity or believe you’ve been targeted by a scam, it’s crucial to act quickly:

• Contact Your Bank: Report the issue to your bank as soon as possible.
• Notify National CERT: You can report incidents directly to the National CERT.

Conclusion: Trust in Verified Information

The National CERT and the SBP are committed to ensuring the security and reliability of Pakistan’s financial systems. We urge the public to stay informed by relying on official sources for information and to practice good security habits when conducting financial transactions. Together, we can prevent the spread of misinformation and keep our banking systems safe and secure. By adhering to these guidelines and remaining vigilant, you can help protect yourself and contribute to the overall cybersecurity of the nation’s financial and digital infrastructure.

Stay safe, stay informed, and always verify your sources.