Pakistan has successfully thwarted more than 400 cyberattacks this year, but cybersecurity experts warn that increasingly sophisticated threats require a stronger national framework and centralized coordination.
Pakistan has successfully prevented more than 400 cyberattacks during 2026, highlighting both the country’s growing digital resilience and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats targeting critical systems.
Director General of the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT), Dr. Haider Abbas, revealed that authorities had intercepted every reported cyberattack before significant damage occurred. However, he cautioned that the rising frequency and complexity of cyber incidents underscore the urgent need to strengthen Pakistan’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
Speaking in an interview, Dr. Abbas said Pakistan is facing increasingly advanced cyber threats, including attacks allegedly supported by state actors. He stressed that the country’s existing cybersecurity framework should be reinforced through the creation of a National Cyber Security Authority with broad legal powers and centralized oversight.
According to Dr. Abbas, the proposed authority should operate under the Prime Minister’s Office to ensure faster decision-making, stronger coordination, and an effective national response during major cyber incidents. He said a centralized institution would improve collaboration among government departments, regulators, and organizations responsible for protecting digital infrastructure.
The official noted that Pakistan’s expanding reliance on digital technologies across government services, banking, telecommunications, and other critical sectors has significantly increased cybersecurity risks. A successful attack on essential infrastructure could disrupt public services, financial operations, and national security.
Although more than 400 cyberattacks have been successfully blocked this year, Dr. Abbas emphasized that prevention alone is not enough. He called for stronger threat detection capabilities, unified security standards, and continuous preparedness to counter evolving cyber risks.
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