Ministries on High Alert Over ‘Bullock’ Ransomware Threat

News Desk 

Islamabad: Pakistan’s key ministries and state institutions have been placed on high alert following warnings of a major cyber threat from the dangerous “Bullock” ransomware.

The Director General of the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has issued an urgent advisory to 39 ministries and government bodies, including the Cabinet Division, Interior Ministry, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Election Commission, and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

According to the advisory, the ransomware could cause permanent data loss, disrupt operations, and expose classified information. The malware targets Windows-based desktops, laptops, servers, cloud storage, and connected networks.

The “Bullock” ransomware encrypts files and demands payment for their release. National CERT warned that the latest wave of attacks is both highly sophisticated and dangerous.

Departments have been instructed to avoid downloading files from unverified sources, refrain from clicking suspicious links or attachments, train staff to spot phishing attempts, disconnect infected systems immediately, and report incidents without delay.

High-priority targets also include the National Information Technology Board (NITB), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), and the Finance Ministry.

National CERT has urged all relevant stakeholders to act swiftly to prevent large-scale disruption.