In response to alarming rumors circulating on social media, 1LINK Limited, one of Pakistan’s largest payment gateway operators, has firmly denied reports suggesting that ATMs across the country will be closed for two to three days due to a cyberattack. The company clarified that no such cyber threat has been identified and assured the public that the financial services industry remains as vigilant as ever.

False Alarm Spreads on Social Media

The rumors, which spread rapidly on platforms like WhatsApp and Twitter, claimed that a ransomware attack had compromised the country’s banking infrastructure, leading to an impending shutdown of ATMs for several days. The message also advised people to refrain from conducting any online transactions during this period, further fueling public anxiety.

BBC Urdu Refutes Claims of Cyberattack Report

Adding to the confusion, the false message alleged that the report was broadcast on BBC Radio. However, BBC Urdu, the local branch of the British broadcasting giant, quickly debunked this claim. They clarified that their last radio transmission in Pakistan was on December 31, 2022, and no recent broadcasts have reported a cyberattack on Pakistan’s banking systems.

1LINK Issues Official Clarification

In an official statement released on Sunday, 1LINK, which operates the country’s largest inter-bank network, categorically denied any truth to the circulating rumors. The company, responsible for essential banking services like ATM switching, funds transfer, and payment systems, emphasized that there has been no cyber threat to the ATM and online banking ecosystem in the context mentioned.

“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 read.

1LINK also reassured the public that both the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and 1LINK are actively working together to ensure the security of Pakistan’s financial infrastructure and digital payments ecosystem. The statement highlighted that the SBP is maintaining strict compliance with IT and security guidelines to safeguard the system against potential threats.

Public Urged to Ignore Baseless Rumors

In light of these developments, 1LINK has urged the public to disregard any such baseless reports and to rely only on information from verified and official sources. The company emphasized the importance of not spreading misinformation, which can cause unnecessary panic and disrupt the smooth functioning of financial services.

The swift response from both 1LINK and BBC Urdu has helped quell fears, but the incident serves as a reminder of the potential harm that false information can cause. It underscores the need for vigilance and reliance on credible sources of information, particularly when it comes to sensitive matters like financial security.