A massive global data leak has exposed passwords and sensitive information of over 180 million users worldwide, prompting Pakistan’s National Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT) to issue a critical advisory urging immediate precautionary measures.
Reports reveal that users of major technology platforms, including Google, Facebook, Apple, Instagram, and Snapchat, have been affected by the breach. Additionally, information from several government websites and official portals has reportedly been compromised, raising international concern.
In its advisory, CERT has urged Pakistani users to immediately change passwords for all online accounts to prevent potential cyberattacks or identity theft. The data leak poses risks not only to personal information but also to banking accounts, government institutions, and sensitive systems.
Users are advised to enable two-factor authentication on their accounts and use password managers to securely store credentials. The advisory also warns against saving passwords in emails or unsecured files.
Furthermore, users are recommended to keep antivirus and other security software updated on their computers and mobile devices, and to monitor for any unusual login activity. Institutions have also been directed to notify potentially affected users and implement protective measures to safeguard the country’s digital infrastructure.
The National Cyber Emergency Response Team has emphasized that failure to act swiftly could severely impact the nation’s digital systems, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive and immediate response at all levels.
