Technology

Meta Receives PTA Report Highlighting Over 1,000 Fake IDs and 37 Hacks in 2024

ISLAMABAD: In 2024, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and WhatsApp, received 1,043 reports of fake identifications from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). As a result, these accounts were disabled and deleted.

Some of these fake accounts were made to look like politicians, government workers, and normal people.

In addition, the PTA received 37 reports of compromised social media accounts this year, with 27 Facebook accounts and 10 WhatsApp accounts being forwarded to Meta for recovery. However, the regulator made it clear that while users often report hacking directly to social media sites, the agency does not keep full records of hacking accusations from previous years. Meta promotes direct reporting as a means to enhance communication and problem-solving efficiency.

Data breaches, social engineering schemes, and using unsecured public Wi-Fi have been named as the primary causes by the PTA. Additional factors include malware, insecure passwords, lack of two-factor authentication (2FA), and the use of free VPNs.

For better account security, the PTA has also recommended some safety steps. Users should avoid sharing security codes or one-time passwords and instead use stronger passwords. Two-factor authentication should also be enabled. Avoiding sensitive activity on public Wi-Fi, logging out of shared devices, and limiting rights offered to other parties are additional steps to take.

Sponsored
Huma Ishfaq

Share
Published by
Huma Ishfaq

Recent Posts

Major Update Unveiled for Tesla Model Y, the Best-Selling EV Worldwide

With a significant 2025 upgrade, the Tesla Model Y, the world’s best-selling electric vehicle, continues…

1 hour ago

KPK Govt to Collaborate with Starlink to Resolve Internet Issues

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is considering partnering with Elon Musk’s Starlink to resolve ongoing internet…

3 hours ago

iPad 11 Set to Launch This Spring with Key Upgrades

For several years, Apple's cheapest iPad has been overlooked, continuing to run on the over…

4 hours ago

Petition Filed in LHC Seeks Immediate Ban on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok in Pakistan

A petition has been submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking an emergency prohibition…

17 hours ago

Redmi Note 14 Pro Series Makes Global Debut with Premium Features: Here’s What’s New!

Xiaomi has officially expanded its global reach with the release of the Redmi Note 14…

22 hours ago

Punjab Schools to Reopen on January 13 with New Timings

Punjab schools will resume classes on January 13 after the winter break, with the Department…

23 hours ago