Due to an alleged ransomware assault, a recent message doing the rounds on social media and WhatsApp in Pakistan advises users to stay away from ATMs and online banking for the next several days.
This is an unfounded allegation.
Declare
A user on X, formerly known as Twitter, posted on August 17 that “ATMs will probably be closed for next two to three days due to ransomware cyber-attack within Pakistan.” The individual also advised against making any online transactions that day.
Fact-check: There isn’t a cyberattack targeting Pakistan’s ATMs or online banking.
Similar assertions gained traction here, here, and here. Additionally, the text has been shared on WhatsApp groups.
Reality
The assertion that malware is a threat to Pakistani ATMs and internet banking is unsupported by any evidence.Fact Check received confirmation from State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) spokesperson Noor Ahmad that the allegations are untrue. The statement from 1LINK (Pvt) Limited, the company in charge of running the main e-payment gateway in the nation, was then cited by him.
A press release criticizing the “false rumors” regarding online banking and ATM closures was released by 1LINK on August 18. The message suggested avoiding such frauds and reassured the public that no cyber danger had been detected.
