LAHORE: In the midst of an audio leak scandal involving the prime minister and high-ranking government officials that has engulfed the entire country, cyber experts have claimed that the data of all government and private websites that have been hacked in the last year is available on the dark web. They stated on Monday that Pakistan’s cyber security was not up to par in terms of strategic planning.
When contacted, Kokab Zuberi, Director Forensic Research and Services Centre Lahore Garrison University, explained what the dark web is.
“The dark web is a section of the internet that can only be accessed with specialised software. It is a world of crime that is beyond the reach of even law enforcement agencies “He continued.
According to Zuberi, websites on the dark web are not visible in Google searches. “People on the dark web are also involved in money laundering, the trade of stolen credentials, child pornography, and the buying and selling of scamming devices that can be used to hack bank accounts,” he added.
Furthermore, he revealed that the dark web is an important platform for terrorists to communicate with their operatives all over the world, recruit new people, and plan terrorist attacks.
Zuberi stated that the data of all government and private websites hacked in Pakistan over the last year is also available on the dark web, and that the hackers conduct transactions using digital currencies such as Bitcoin.
He stated that law enforcement agencies, particularly those involved in cyber security, are engaged in operations against dark web operators, but it is extremely difficult to track them down.
“Our experts are working around the clock, and God willing, one day we will definitely succeed, and our cyber security will be impenetrable,” he added.
On Sunday, audio recordings purportedly of PM Shehbaz Sharif and key members of his party and family became the focus of attention after they were shared on social media.
For a long time, successive governments have been embroiled in audio and video leak scandals, but no comprehensive investigation into any such incident has taken place. The truth was always somewhere between the allegations and denials.
