A report by Pakistani Federal Investigation Agency notes that a database containing the information of all citizens was compromised in a cybersecurity incident. Federal agents say threat actors have used the exposed information to illegally obtain SIM cards.
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), responsible for safeguarding this information, notified the federal agency about the detection of unusual activity, in addition to reporting the incident to the Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications, which is part of the National Assembly.
In his appearance before the National Assembly, the director of cybercrime investigation at the Federal Investigation Agency was very clear: “NADRA data was hacked; fake SIM cards are being sold in a campaign linked to this data breach.”
According to the official, some 13,000 fake SIM cards have been sold in this fraudulent operation, which were obtained using the biometric information and records stored by NADRA.
On the other hand, General Amir Azeem Bajwa, director of the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority mentioned that, as a security measure, no mobile operator will be allowed to sell SIM cards, at least until the investigation is concluded.
To learn more about information security risks, malware variants, vulnerabilities and information technologies, feel free to access the International Institute of Cyber Security (IICS) websites.
He is a well-known expert in mobile security and malware analysis. He studied Computer Science at NYU and started working as a cyber security analyst in 2003. He is actively working as an anti-malware expert. He also worked for security companies like Kaspersky Lab. His everyday job includes researching about new malware and cyber security incidents. Also he has deep level of knowledge in mobile security and mobile vulnerabilities.
