Over 1,400 WhatsApp Accounts Hacked in Pakistan Since July, FIA Reports

The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cybercrime Wing recently reported a wave of over 1,400 hacked WhatsApp accounts across the country since July 1^st 2024, with the actual number potentially higher due to underreporting.

Mohsin Naqvi, the Interior Minister, informed the Senate that, although certain accounts have been effectively restored, work is still ongoing.

According to details provided, “FIA’s Cybercrime Wing (CCW) had received 1,426 complaints related to hacked accounts since July 1,” yet many incidents may remain unreported. Out of these, 549 accounts have been successfully restored.

Currently, there are 877 complaints that are still pending, 20 of which have been taken up to their formal inquiry stage, and 817 accounts are still under validation. Also, 40 behaviors were not explained further, regarding the recovery situation.

To tackle these threats, FIA officials encourage users to enhance account security practices. However, limited resources and shortage of modern tools at FIA have always posed difficulties in dealing with increased flow of cyber crimes.

Government officials have also been cautioned against responding to unsolicited WhatsApp messages after malware was detected in attempts to infiltrate mobile devices and access sensitive government documents.

Mian Saqib Nisar the ex-Chief Justice of Pakistan reported that his WhatsApp account was ‘hacked’ last year and he filed a complaint with the Cybercrime Wing FIA sources confirming that standard procedures were followed in his case.

An internal WhatsApp investigation indicated that a significant number of high-profile government and military officials among the victims, spanning at least 20 countries across five continents. WhatsApp users and officials are enjoined to remain vigilant as the cyber-attacks continue to evolve.

An internal WhatsApp investigation revealed a “significant” number of high-profile government and military officials among the victims, spanning at least 20 countries across five continents. As cyber-attacks continue to evolve, users and officials are urged to remain vigilant.