ISLAMABAD – A staggering 25% of companies worldwide, including those in Pakistan, have fallen victim to human-driven cyberattacks in 2025, according to the latest Kaspersky Managed Detection and Response (MDR) analyst report. Released this month, the report reveals that advanced persistent threats (APTs)—sophisticated, human-orchestrated attacks—account for over 43% of all high-severity incidents, marking a 74% surge from 2023 and a 43% rise from 2022.
The annual MDR report, compiled by Kaspersky’s Security Operations Center (SOC) team, offers a deep dive into cyber incidents, spotlighting the tactics, techniques, and tools attackers wield. In Islamabad, a hub for IT and government sectors, the findings resonate strongly as these industries face the heaviest brunt of APTs globally. “Pakistan’s digital growth makes it a prime target,” warns local cybersecurity expert Hassan Raza. “Our organizations must act swiftly.”
Despite advancements in automated detection, determined attackers continue to bypass systems, exploiting vulnerabilities with precision. The report notes APTs hit every sector except telecommunications, with IT and government entities suffering the most. In Pakistan, financial and industrial firms also report rising malware threats, comprising over 12% of high-severity cases. Meanwhile, cyber exercises—human-driven attacks later confirmed as tests—make up 17% of incidents, and policy violations account for another 12%.
Sergey Soldatov, Head of Kaspersky’s SOC, underscores the urgency: “In 2024, we saw a significant escalation in APTs. This alarming trend shows that even cutting-edge automation can’t fully stop human ingenuity in cyberattacks. Companies must bolster their defenses with comprehensive strategies.” For Islamabad’s burgeoning tech scene, this means investing in expertise and tools to counter evolving threats.
Kaspersky recommends Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Incident Response services for firms lacking in-house cybersecurity teams. These solutions cover the full incident lifecycle—from spotting threats to ongoing protection—offering expert support to bridge skill gaps. “In Pakistan, where resources can be stretched thin, such services are a lifeline,” Raza adds.
As cyberattacks grow more sophisticated, the report’s insights are a wake-up call for Islamabad and beyond. Today Pakistan News urges businesses to stay vigilant—share your cybersecurity concerns at todaypakinews@gmail.com as we track this critical issue in 2025.
