The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a detailed advisory urging citizens to adopt stronger password practices to safeguard their personal data and online accounts.
The advisory emphasizes the importance of password security, particularly for financial services and email accounts, which are prime targets of cyberattacks.
According to the guidelines, users should create complex passwords that include upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. PTA stressed the need for enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on all critical accounts to add an extra layer of protection against cyber threats.
The authority advised users to avoid reusing the same password across multiple applications and to change their passwords regularly. Citizens were further cautioned against using easily guessable passwords, such as dictionary words or personal information like birth dates, which make accounts more vulnerable to hacking attempts.
PTA also recommended prioritizing biometric or facial recognition features for financial services and applications, highlighting that traditional passwords can often be compromised. The advisory noted that biometrics provide a stronger level of authentication compared to text-based passwords.
The authority reiterated that a password is the first line of defense against cyber threats, and strengthening it is crucial for digital safety. By following these guidelines, users can better protect their personal data, financial transactions, and online communications from unauthorized access.