Tech Desk 
May 23, 2025
According to cybersecurity company Kaspersky, Pakistan was one of the least affected countries by web threats in the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa (META) region in the first quarter of 2025.
This finding was highlighted during Kaspersky’s Cyber Security Weekend, where cybersecurity experts discussed the latest threats in cyberspace, such as ransomware, AI-driven attacks, and mobile exploits.
The report showed that while Türkiye and Kenya had the most users hit by online incidents, Pakistan scored the second-lowest percentage of web incidents, just above Saudi Arabia.
However, the overall findings demonstrate that Pakistan’s rate of exposure to web-based cyberattacks is relatively low in the META region, something positive to report about its current digital risk environment.
Kaspersky warned that the regional cyber threat landscape is evolving at a high rate.
Moreover, Kaspersky is tracking 25 advanced persistent threat (APT) groups operating in the META region, including actors like SideWinder and MuddyWater, which have started to employ more intelligent and targeted attack methodologies to avoid being detected.
The rise of ransomware is also a major concern. Although globally, the numbers show marginal increases, countries that are undergoing aggressive digital transformation — like many Middle East countries — are viewed as being more impervious to online threats.
Experts also flagged the growing use of AI in cybercrime, with new hacker groups like FunkSec using it to run faster, more damaging attacks.
How to stay safe from cyber threats?
To stay ahead of threats, Kaspersky recommends updating all software regularly, using threat intelligence tools, and protecting devices with anti-ransomware solutions.
Furthermore, businesses in Pakistan’s growing tech space are urged to stay alert, as evolving methods could pose new risks in 2025.
