ISLAMABAD: One of Pakistan’s largest payment gateways has refuted social media reports claiming that ATMs will be shut down for two to three days due to a cyberattack.
According to a media report, 1LINK Limited, a consortium of major banks that owns and operates the largest inter-bank network in the country, issued a clarification after a message circulated on social media and WhatsApp claiming that ATMs would be closed for two to three days due to a ransomware attack.
The message also advised people not to conduct any online transactions during this period and claimed that the report was broadcast on BBC Radio.
However, BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) Urdu — the local branch of the British broadcasting network — has dismissed the claim.
However, BBC Urdu has denied all such news, the organization said that the last broadcast of BBC Urdu in Pakistan was on December 31, 2022, and there has been no recent report on BBC about cyber attacks; it was not aired.
In a clarification issued , 1LINK — which provides banking services such as ATM switching, funds transfer, and payment systems — advised the public not to pay any attention to such reports.
“The statement added that no cyber threat has been observed in the ATM and online banking ecosystem thus far, and the financial service industry remains as vigilant as ever.”
“The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is actively collaborating with banks and 1LINK to maintain the security of Pakistan’s financial infrastructure and digital payments ecosystem, ensuring adherence to strict IT and security guidelines.”
