Advisory raises concerns over sensitive data exposure as reliance on overseas cloud platforms grows

Pakistan’s National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT) has issued a warning over the risks associated with using foreign cloud service providers, cautioning that sensitive national and user data could be exposed to external access and surveillance.

In its latest advisory, NCERT highlighted that reliance on overseas cloud infrastructure may allow foreign entities to access critical information, including communication metadata, stored files, and location data.

The alert underscores growing concerns around data sovereignty and cybersecurity, particularly as government institutions and private organisations increasingly adopt cloud-based solutions for storage and operations.

Officials warned that foreign-controlled platforms could pose strategic risks, especially if data is subject to external jurisdictions or surveillance frameworks, potentially exposing sensitive information to unauthorized monitoring or misuse.

The advisory comes amid a broader rise in cyber threats targeting Pakistan’s critical sectors, including government, finance, and telecommunications, where data security remains a key vulnerability.

Experts note that while cloud adoption offers efficiency and scalability, it also introduces risks related to control, compliance, and national security, particularly when data is hosted خارج the country.

NCERT has urged organisations to assess cloud dependencies, strengthen data protection measures, and consider local or secure alternatives for handling critical information.

The warning reflects increasing global concerns over digital sovereignty, as countries seek to balance technological advancement with the protection of sensitive data and national security interests.