Pakistan Denies Breach of Disaster Surveillance System

Cybersecurity Concerns and NDMA’s Clarification

Pakistan’s cybersecurity landscape came under scrutiny after reports surfaced claiming that the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), operated by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), had been hacked. The alleged breach was said to involve sensitive databases, including identity details, bank records, and medical histories.

NDMA officials, however, strongly denied these claims. A senior representative clarified that NEOC does not collect or store personal information, as its mandate is strictly limited to monitoring and analyzing natural hazards. The platform uses over 300 climate sensors, satellite imagery, and artificial intelligence to provide early warnings and coordinate disaster response.

The hacker group, operating under the alias “h4xorvats,” claimed to have accessed more than 13,000 files, including source codes and user databases. They alleged the data contained CNIC numbers, bank details, medical records, and vaccination information. NDMA dismissed these assertions as fabricated, emphasizing that all NEOC data is open-source and publicly available for disaster management purposes.

Officials reiterated that there has been no cyber incident or suspicious activity within NDMA’s IT environment. They stressed that the circulating information constitutes false news and misrepresentation of the agency’s role.

While NDMA has assured the public that no breach occurred, experts note that if such a hack were real, it could have posed serious risks, including identity theft, financial fraud, and misuse of health data. The incident highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for public-sector platforms, especially those critical to national safety and disaster response.

For now, NDMA’s clarification reassures citizens that Pakistan’s disaster surveillance systems remain secure, and the reports of a hack are unfounded.