Website defacement accounted for 53 percent of the major cyber threats detected in Pakistan over the past year, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

The PTA identified 326 significant cyber threat indicators through dark web monitoring between July 2025 and June 2026, its Cyber Security Annual Report 2025-26 shows.

Of these, 174 involved website defacement, making it the most frequently detected threat. Data leaks accounted for 87 indicators, or 27 percent, while 41 cases, representing 13 percent, were linked to Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.

The remaining 24 indicators involved the sale or promotion of sensitive information on dark web forums and illegal online marketplaces.

The PTA’s National Telecom Security Operations Centre (nTSOC) monitors dark web forums, cybercrime networks and illegal marketplaces to identify compromised websites, leaked data and emerging security risks.

The authority said its monitoring activities helped detect threats at an early stage and assess their potential impact. Relevant intelligence was shared with telecom licensees, the National CERT and other stakeholders to support investigations and preventive action.

The PTA said these efforts were aimed at improving risk management and strengthening the security of Pakistan’s telecommunications infrastructure against cyber threats.