The latest findings from Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence have raised concerns about the cybersecurity landscape in Pakistan, with the number of compromised accounts on .pk domain reaching nearly 2.4 million. This surge in compromised accounts underscores the growing threat of data-stealing malware, which impacted around 10 million devices in 2023 alone. Hafeez Rahman, Kaspersky’s Technical group manager, highlighted a global trend, revealing that 443,000 websites have experienced compromised credentials over the past five years.

The .com domain emerged as the most targeted, with a staggering 326 million logins and passwords compromised by info stealers in 2023. Disturbingly, recent reports indicate a 643% increase in data theft over the last three years, potentially exceeding the reported 10 million infections. Kaspersky’s analysis predicts a projected 16 million infections for 2023, with an average of 50.9 login credentials per infected device, posing significant risks for individuals and businesses alike.

In response to this escalating threat, Kaspersky has launched a dedicated web page to raise awareness and provide strategies for mitigating associated risks. Cybercriminals exploit stolen credentials for nefarious purposes, including cyber attacks and trading on dark web platforms. These compromised credentials span various services, including social media, online banking, cryptocurrency wallets, and corporate systems, posing serious security challenges.

Hafeez underscored the critical threat posed by leaked credentials, enabling cybercriminals to execute unauthorized access, social engineering, and impersonation attacks. These findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and vigilance to combat the evolving threat landscape effectively.