1LINK refutes claims of cyberattack on ATMs, online banking in Pakistan

KARACHI: 1LINK Limited, Pakistan’s largest payment and switch system, has refuted reports claiming a major cyberattack on ATMs and online banking across Pakistan, terming it as “fake rumors.”

The clarification from 1LINK Limited came after a message circulated widely on WhatsApp and social media platforms last week said ATMs would not function for two to three days as ransomware had targeted the machines.

The message, claiming that the report was aired on BBC Radio, warned users not to conduct any online transactions during the period. The warning also urged people to advise their contacts against opening a video called “Dance of the Hillary,” saying it was a virus that formats mobiles.

1LINK issued the clarification on Sunday, advising the public not to pay any heed to such hoaxes and to consult their banks for any guidance. “The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is actively working with banks and 1LINK to maintain the security of Pakistan’s financial infrastructure and digital payments ecosystem, ensuring compliance with stringent IT and security guidelines.”

“Thus far, no cyber threat has been observed on the ATM and online banking ecosystem in this context, and the financial service industry remains vigilant as ever before,” the statement added.

Moreover, BBC Urdu has dismissed the claim saying that the last transmission of BBC Urdu Radio in Pakistan was aired on Dec 31, 2022, and no reports of a cyberattack in the country were aired by the publication recently.

1LINK is a prominent Pakistani payments operator system owned by a consortium of 11 banks. It provides a host of valuable online banking services like ATM switching, bill payments, interbank funds transfer, fraud risk management, switch dispute resolution, and domestic as well as international payment schemes.