Business Desk
Aug 19, 2024
1LINK on Sunday rejected reports circulating on social media regarding the closure of ATMS across the country for two-three days due to a cyberattack.
1LINK, one of country’s largest payment gateways, issued a clarification after a text message started making rounds on WhatsApp and other social media apps.
“ATM 's will be close for next 2-3 days probably, due to ransomeware cyber-attack within Pakistan. Don't do any online transactions today. Please inform all contacts from your list not to open a video called the "Dance of the Hillary". It is a virus that formats your mobile. Beware it is very dangerous. They announced it today on BBC radio. Kindly share. Massive Ransomeware attack...Total 74 countries affected...Please do not open any email which has attachments with "tasksche.exe" file. Please send this important message to all your computer users,” the fake message shared on WhatsApp read.
However, BBC Urdu rejected the claim, stating that the last transmission of BBC Urdu Radio in Pakistan was aired on December 31, 2022. The publication also clarified that no reports of cyberattack in the country were aired on BBC recently.
1LINK, which provides banking services like ATM switching, funds transfer and payment systems, said that the public should not to pay attention to such reports.
“Thus far, no cyber threat has been observed on the ATM and online banking ecosystem in this context, and the financial service industry remains vigilant as ever before,” the statement added.
“The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is actively working with banks and 1LINK to maintain the security of Pakistan’s financial infrastructure and digital payments ecosystem, ensuring compliance with stringent IT and security guidelines.”
