Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has reportedly issued instructions to all government officials, mandating the use of secure email channels for official communication in response to a new threat posed by hackers.
A communication has been dispatched to all relevant ministries and departments in this regard, outlining the specific risk that certain civil and military officials may be susceptible to phishing attacks.
The communication provides tips on securing official emails, which include refraining from using weak passwords, regularly changing passwords, avoiding sharing email IDs with unrelated individuals, and utilising personal accounts for official correspondence.
The communication also cautions against the use of official email accounts on mobile phones, opening emails containing any attached links, responding to suspicious emails or clicking on any links, and emphasises the importance of employing licenced anti-virus software.
Phishing attacks encompass deceptive emails, text messages, phone calls, or websites designed to deceive users into downloading malware or divulging sensitive information and personal data.