The official website of Ignite National Technology Fund, a government-backed initiative supporting innovation and startups in Pakistan, was hacked on Monday evening. The cyberattack caused website accessibility problems while attackers used hacked animated cartoons to vandalize the homepage of the website which triggered security concerns about government-run digital platforms.
According to sources, the IT team of Ignite in coordination with cybersecurity experts, acted swiftly to handle the security breach. The website was successfully restored within a few hours. The officials have yet to reveal identifying information about the hackers or the vulnerabilities they exploited during the attack.
Authorities have not dismissed the potential involvement of either local or international cybercrime organisations. According to the sources, additional investigations are currently being conducted to ascertain the origin of the attack and the motivations of the hackers. An official of Ignite said that security measures are being strengthened to ensure such incidents do not occur again.
Ignite’s Response to the Cyberattack
In an official statement, Ignite confirmed the cyber attack and assured stakeholders that the breach was contained efficiently. The organisation upheld its enduring commitment to cybersecurity by fostering active collaborations with various national security agencies aimed at combating emerging security threats.
“It is crucial to recognize that no security system is infallible. Even the most technologically advanced organizations have encountered cyber threats. What distinguishes resilient entities is their ability to respond effectively. At Ignite, we take immense pride in our rapid detection, containment, and recovery capabilities,” the statement read.
Ignite further confirmed that user data is secure and that proactive steps are being implemented to strengthen cybersecurity defences. The organisation has reiterated its dedication to upholding trust, transparency, and security across all its digital activities.
