Pakistan’s cyber security authorities have issued a warning about the growing risk of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cyberattacks targeting banks, government departments, and important national infrastructure. The warning highlights how cybercriminals are using modern AI tools to make online attacks more advanced, harder to detect, and more dangerous than traditional cyber threats.
The National Computer Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has advised organisations across Pakistan to improve their digital security systems and prepare for new types of cyber threats. According to the warning, artificial intelligence is changing the way hackers plan and carry out cyberattacks. Criminals can now use AI to create fake messages, copy human voices, develop harmful software, and find weaknesses in computer networks.
The warning is especially important for Pakistan because banks, financial institutions, telecom companies, power stations, and other essential services depend heavily on digital systems. A successful cyberattack on any of these sectors could affect thousands or even millions of people.
As Pakistan continues to move towards digital banking, online payments, e-government services, and connected infrastructure, protecting these systems has become more important than ever.
National CERT Raises Concerns Over AI-Based Cyber Threats
National CERT plays an important role in helping Pakistan identify, manage, and respond to cyber security risks. Its latest warning draws attention to the growing use of artificial intelligence by cybercriminals.
In the past, hackers often needed strong technical knowledge and special computer skills to carry out complicated attacks. However, AI tools have made some cyber activities easier and faster. Even criminals with limited technical experience can use AI-based services to prepare convincing scam messages, create fake websites, and target organisations.
One major concern is that AI can help criminals understand their targets before launching an attack. They can collect information about employees, companies, and business operations and use it to create more convincing messages.
For example, a bank employee may receive an email that looks like an official message from the company’s IT department. The email may ask the employee to open a file or visit a website to fix an account problem. If the employee follows the instructions, attackers may gain access to the organisation’s internal systems.
National CERT’s warning shows why organisations must move beyond basic security measures. Traditional antivirus software and passwords alone may not be enough to protect important digital systems from modern threats.
How Artificial Intelligence Is Making Cyberattacks More Dangerous
Artificial intelligence has many useful applications in education, business, healthcare, and technology. However, the same technology can also be misused by criminals.
AI-powered tools can help hackers complete several tasks in less time. They can prepare realistic messages, study security weaknesses, and create different versions of attacks to avoid detection.
Here are some major ways AI is changing cybercrime.
1. AI-Powered Phishing Attacks
Phishing is one of the most common methods used by cybercriminals. It involves sending fake emails, messages, or links to trick people into sharing personal information.
In traditional phishing attacks, fake messages often contain spelling mistakes, poor grammar, or unusual language. These signs can help users identify scams.
AI has made this problem more serious. Criminals can now use AI writing tools to create professional-looking messages with correct grammar and natural language. These messages may look like they come from banks, government offices, or well-known companies.
For example, a customer may receive a message claiming that their bank account has been blocked because of suspicious activity. The message may include a link asking the customer to confirm their account details.
Once the user enters their information, criminals can use it to access the account or steal money.
2. Deepfake Voice and Video Scams
Deepfake technology is another growing concern. It allows criminals to create fake audio or video content that looks or sounds like a real person.
Hackers can use AI to copy someone’s voice using available audio recordings. They may then contact employees or customers while pretending to be a company manager, bank officer, or family member.
Imagine receiving a phone call from someone who sounds exactly like your manager. The caller asks you to transfer money urgently or share confidential information.
Without proper verification, an employee may believe the request is genuine.
Banks and financial institutions need to take these risks seriously because fake voice calls can be used to trick employees into approving payments or sharing sensitive information.
3. AI-Assisted Malware Development
Malware is harmful software designed to damage devices, steal information, or gain unauthorised access to computer systems.
Cybercriminals can misuse AI to help develop, modify, or improve malicious software. They may also use AI tools to understand computer systems and find possible weaknesses.
Some attacks are designed to remain hidden for a long time. During this period, attackers may collect information, monitor activities, or prepare further attacks.
This creates serious challenges for organisations that depend on computer networks to manage their daily operations.
4. Automated Cyberattacks
Another major concern is the ability of AI to automate different parts of a cyberattack.
Instead of checking every system manually, criminals may use automated tools to scan networks, identify weak points, and search for exposed services.
This can help attackers target multiple organisations in a shorter period.
For banks and government departments with large digital networks, automated attacks can create additional security risks. Organisations need modern monitoring systems that can identify unusual activity and respond quickly.
Why Banks Are Among the Main Targets
Banks are attractive targets for cybercriminals because they manage large amounts of financial and personal information.
Millions of customers use banking applications, ATMs, online banking services, and digital payment platforms every day. These services make financial transactions faster and more convenient, but they also create opportunities for cybercriminals.
An AI-powered cyberattack against a bank could target different areas, including customer accounts, employee systems, payment networks, and internal databases.
For example, criminals may attempt to steal customer login details through fake banking websites. They could also target bank employees with convincing emails designed to steal access information.
If attackers successfully enter a bank’s internal network, the damage could be much greater than a single stolen account.
A serious security incident may affect payment services, delay financial transactions, expose private customer information, and damage public trust.
For this reason, banks need strong protection systems that can identify suspicious activities before attackers cause serious damage.
They should also regularly test their security systems and make sure employees understand how to recognise modern scams.
Critical Infrastructure Also Faces Growing Risks
National CERT’s warning is not limited to banks. Critical infrastructure is another important area that could face serious cyber threats.
Critical infrastructure includes the systems and services that people depend on in their daily lives. These include electricity networks, water supply systems, telecommunications, transport services, and other essential facilities.
Many of these services now use digital networks and computer-based control systems. While technology has improved their performance, it has also increased the need for strong cyber security.
Electricity and Power Networks
Electricity providers depend on digital systems to monitor power generation, manage distribution, and control different operations.
If cybercriminals gain access to these systems, they may disrupt services or interfere with important operations.
A successful attack could cause power interruptions, affect businesses, and create problems for hospitals, schools, and households.
Telecommunications Networks
Mobile networks and internet services are also important parts of national infrastructure.
Millions of Pakistanis depend on telecom companies for communication, online banking, business activities, and access to government services.
A cyberattack against a telecom network could affect calls, internet access, and other communication services.
Such an incident could also create problems for businesses that depend on stable internet connections.
Government Departments
Government organisations store important records related to citizens, businesses, and public services.
These records may include personal details, official documents, and other confidential information.
Cybercriminals may target government networks to steal data, disrupt services, or gain access to important systems.
A successful attack could affect public services and reduce people’s confidence in digital government platforms.
Pakistan’s Growing Dependence on Digital Services
Pakistan has made significant progress in digital technology over recent years. Mobile banking, online payments, digital wallets, e-commerce platforms, and internet-based government services are becoming increasingly common.
More people are using smartphones to pay bills, transfer money, shop online, and manage their bank accounts.
Businesses are also moving their operations to online platforms. Banks and telecom companies are investing in digital systems to improve customer services and make their operations faster.
However, this digital growth also means that cyber security risks are increasing.
When more people and organisations depend on connected systems, cybercriminals get more opportunities to search for weaknesses.
A single security problem in an important network could affect several connected services.
This is why Pakistan needs a strong national cyber security system. Government departments, banks, telecom operators, and private companies must work together to protect their digital infrastructure.
Why Traditional Cyber Security Measures May Not Be Enough
Many organisations already use firewalls, antivirus programs, passwords, and other security tools. These measures remain important, but modern cyber threats require additional protection.
AI-powered attacks can be more difficult to recognise because criminals can change their methods quickly.
For example, a phishing email may look almost identical to a genuine company message. A fake voice call may sound like a real employee. A harmful file may also be designed to avoid basic security checks.
Organisations should therefore use a wider range of security measures.
These may include:
Multi-factor authentication: Asking users to confirm their identity through more than one security step.
Regular security updates: Keeping operating systems, applications, and network devices updated.
Network monitoring: Watching computer networks for unusual activities.
Employee training: Teaching staff how to identify suspicious emails, links, and phone calls.
Data backups: Keeping secure copies of important information to reduce damage after an attack.
Security testing: Checking systems regularly to identify weaknesses before criminals find them.
Incident response plans: Preparing clear steps to follow when a cyberattack takes place.
These steps can help organisations reduce risks and respond more effectively to cyber incidents.
What Banks and Organisations Should Do to Stay Safe
Following the National CERT warning, banks and other important organisations should review their current cyber security arrangements.
The first step is to identify which systems are most important and what could happen if those systems become unavailable.
Organisations should pay special attention to systems that handle customer information, financial transactions, employee accounts, and internal communication.
They should also limit access to sensitive information. Employees should only receive access to the systems they need to perform their jobs.
Another important step is to verify unusual requests. For example, if a senior manager asks an employee to transfer money or share confidential information, the employee should confirm the request through a separate official channel.
Banks should also monitor unusual account activities and alert customers when suspicious transactions take place.
In addition, organisations should work with cyber security experts and follow the latest guidance from relevant national authorities.
Regular training is equally important. Employees should understand that even a professional-looking email or familiar voice call may be fake.
How Ordinary Citizens Can Protect Themselves
Although National CERT’s warning focuses on banks and critical infrastructure, ordinary internet users also have an important role in reducing cyber risks.
Cybercriminals often target individuals because personal information can help them access bank accounts, digital wallets, and online services.
People should follow some basic safety steps to protect their information.
First, never share your bank password, ATM PIN, OTP, or account details with anyone over a phone call or message.
Second, avoid clicking on unknown links received through SMS, WhatsApp, email, or social media. Always check the official website or application before entering personal information.
Third, use strong and different passwords for important online accounts. Avoid using the same password for banking, email, and social media accounts.
It is also important to enable two-factor authentication wherever available.
Users should keep their mobile phones and applications updated because updates often include important security improvements.
If someone receives a suspicious call from a person claiming to represent a bank, they should end the call and contact the bank using its official helpline.
Most importantly, people should not trust a voice or video call simply because the person appears familiar. Deepfake technology can make fake content look very realistic.
The Importance of Cooperation Between Public and Private Organisations
Cyber security is not a responsibility that belongs to only one department or company. Protecting national digital infrastructure requires cooperation between government authorities and private organisations.
Banks, telecom companies, electricity providers, technology firms, and government departments should share information about new cyber threats through appropriate and secure channels.
This can help organisations understand how attackers operate and take preventive steps before similar attacks affect their own systems.
National CERT can play an important role by providing warnings, technical guidance, and support during cyber security incidents.
Companies should also make sure their security teams are prepared to handle emergencies. A quick response can help limit damage and prevent a small security problem from becoming a major incident.
Pakistan may also need more trained cyber security professionals as digital services continue to expand. Skilled experts can help organisations identify weaknesses, investigate attacks, and improve their security systems.
What This Warning Means for Pakistan’s Digital Future
The growing use of artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities for businesses and individuals. However, it is also changing the way cybercriminals operate.
AI-powered phishing, deepfake calls, automated attacks, and harmful software are becoming serious concerns for organisations around the world.
For Pakistan, the National CERT warning is an important reminder that digital growth must go hand in hand with strong cyber security.
Banks need to protect customer accounts and financial networks. Telecom companies must secure communication services. Electricity providers and government departments must make sure their important systems remain protected.
Ordinary citizens also need to become more careful when using digital services.
A secure digital environment can help Pakistan build public trust, support online businesses, improve banking services, and encourage investment in technology.
However, achieving this goal requires regular security improvements, public awareness, employee training, and cooperation between different sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is National CERT in Pakistan?
National CERT is Pakistan’s national computer emergency response organisation. It works to identify cyber security threats, provide guidance, and support efforts to protect important digital systems and networks.
2. Why has National CERT warned about AI-powered cyberattacks?
The warning highlights how criminals can misuse artificial intelligence to create advanced scams, fake messages, deepfake calls, and other cyber threats. These attacks can put banks and important national services at risk.
3. What are AI-powered cyberattacks?
AI-powered cyberattacks are online attacks in which criminals misuse artificial intelligence to improve or automate harmful activities. These may include phishing, fake voice calls, malware development, and network attacks.
4. Why are banks at risk of AI-powered cyberattacks?
Banks store financial and personal information and manage millions of digital transactions. Criminals may target their systems to steal money, access customer accounts, or disrupt banking services.
5. What is a deepfake cyberattack?
A deepfake cyberattack uses AI-generated fake audio or video to make someone appear or sound like another person. Criminals may use this technology to trick employees, customers, or financial organisations.
6. Can AI be used to create fake bank messages?
Yes. Criminals can misuse AI tools to prepare realistic emails and messages that look like official communication from banks. These messages may contain harmful links designed to steal personal or financial information.
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