Security agencies foil attempt to hack senior officials’ mobile phone data

ISLAMABAD: Security agencies have foiled a covert attempt by hostile intelligent agencies (HIAs) to obtain sensitive information from government senior officials.

According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s House, in pursuit of their nefarious design, the unscrupulous elements send a hacking link via WhatsApp to acquire information from senior government officials’ phones.

“All government officers are instructed to remain vigilant and not respond to any such messages,” the press release said.

“Officers have been directed that upon receiving such a mobile message, the Cabinet Division should be immediately informed,” the press release further said.

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“Pakistan’s security agencies are fully alert in this matter.”

The hostile intelligence agencies have strategically leveraged human psychology, capitalizing on the innate curiosity to return calls from unfamiliar numbers. If this initial ploy proves successful, it can serve as a gateway to launching intricate and advanced attacks. These attacks encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from the extraction of confidential information to the illicit acquisition of unauthorized access to the target’s device.