Pakistan has the region’s highest teledensity (75 %) and the cheapest radio internet rates (3G/4G LTE Data Plans for as low as $5/10GB). With over 40 million smartphone users, a healthy chunk of the population is virtually online. On one hand, this is a good sign but on the other hand, it also gives criminals easy access to high-speed internet making it easier for them to do illegal activities without getting caught. Discover Pakistan’s top cybersecurity consulting companies that offer expert services to protect your digital assets. Let`s explore our list to find the best one for your security needs.

As usual, women suffer the most. If restrictions on movement weren’t enough, the online world is also becoming off-limits for Pakistani women; in some ways, it already has. The way these criminals operate is pretty basic, they create multiple digital identities that allow them to collect personal information, mainly of women, to harass them both online and in the real world. A growing grey-to-black market of cheap and accessible software and hardware furthermore allows anyone to infiltrate mobile devices and computers to track someone’s social movements, which places people, especially women, at great risk. In this research article, our Tashheer research team compiled a list of 9 essential steps for Pakistanis to avoid hacking and blackmailing.

List of 9 Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself From Being Hacked

Here are seven of the most efficient practices that a user should follow to avoid harassment through use of personal data and take appropriate counteractions in case of harassment online.

Choose Strong Passwords and Change Them Often

Never ignore the importance of password strength. Also, enable a two-step verification on all your social media platforms that offer this feature (Twitter, Facebook and Gmail do). It serves as a compulsory second line of defense for protecting your online accounts if the hacker has successfully cracked your password. As soon as you feel someone has used your account, change the passwords from all your social media accounts, not just the one that was already hacked. Otherwise, it is very easy for the hacker to follow a password pattern and get into your other accounts. You can somewhat avoid this by having very different passwords for each account. Also use a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information such as your name, birthdate, or common counting words.

 Report to the Authorities Immediately

Once you have changed the passwords, report the hacking of your account to the relevant site. If you are unable to gain control of your account back, this will become even more important. If you suspect you have been targeted by hackers or blackmailers, report the incident to the relevant authorities immediately. All the bigger websites usually do respond to users swiftly. In Pakistan, you can contact Federal Investigation Agency’s Cyber Crime Wing to report hacking and blackmailing. Official records revealed that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cybercrime Wing has received 95,566 complaints of online fraud, hate speech, sexual harassment and blasphemy from across Punjab so far this year.

Alert Family and Friends

After reporting, the site may take little time to respond. Try to contact your family and friends to let them know about this incident so that they don’t communicate with your hacked account. It is very important to inform your family members, including your parents and guardians, of this, especially if you think things could go wrong later on. Having your family’s confidence is necessary before things take a wrong turn.

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Do not Accept the Blackmailer’s Demands

Sextortion is a popular type of cybercrime in which victims are blackmailed to give money to blackmailer or more sensitive content. If the harassment has turned into blackmailing and the hacker demands money or anything else in return for your private data, do not hand over your money.  Do not entertain any of their demands at any cost. There is a high possibility that they will try to blackmail you again, and you can never be sure that they have deleted all the copies of your personal data. In addition, gather evidence like Save screenshots, emails, or any messages containing threats.

Be Cautious of Online Links

​If something seems too good to be true online, it probably is. Cybercriminals often use engaging offers to attract individuals into scams. These can include investment opportunities promising high returns, lottery winnings, or even job offers that require upfront payments. Be cautious of undemented investment links or online relationships that quickly turn unrealistic. Let`s find the 8 Best Methods to Gain Website Traffic from Social Media in Pakistan and learn how they can enhance your online presence.

If Your Friend Is a Victim, Offer Your Support

It is important for friends to support a cybercrime victim because most don’t get support from their family during the difficult time of cyber harassment. If you cannot take your family in confidence in case of blackmailing, reach out to your loyal friends or anyone else in your support system. You will probably find someone who will be able to help you with proper guidance and support.

Try to locate the attacker if possible

Family and friends also need to help the victim reach out to the authorities of the college, workplace, university, or any other institution to which they think the blackmailer belongs. As victims are usually terrified in these situations, it is important for friends and family to take charge and report to any official agencies and places where the hacker works, if known. If you need any more information or help, you can always refer to Hamara Internet website. It has a knowledge base on how to deal with online harassment.

Keep Software and Devices Updated

Regularly update your operating system, apps, and antivirus software to protect against the latest threats. Cybercriminals often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software. Enable automatic updates to ensure your devices are always protected. Oversharing your personal information on social media can make you a target for account hackers.

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Use Secure Connections

Use a reliable VPN to protect your online activities and personal information especially. Avoid using public Wi-Fi or hotspots, in coffee shops, malls, airports, and hotels for sensitive activities like online banking. Public Wi-Fi networks are often insecure, making it easier for hackers to attack on your private data. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a VPN to encrypt your traffic.