Pakistan’s National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) and the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) recently issued an urgent advisory. Specifically, they urged workplace personnel to strengthen physical security immediately. Consequently, this action aims to protect critical digital systems from unauthorized access. The authorities clearly stated that unsecured entry points and unlocked screens put sensitive facilities at severe risk.
The Danger of Tailgating & ID Misuse
The new directives target everyday human errors. First, National CERT and NTC instructed personnel to wear their identification badges visibly at all times. Furthermore, employees must never share, lend, or leave these badges unattended. These strict measures exist to stop unauthorized individuals from accessing critical infrastructure.
Additionally, the advisory strongly warns against tailgating. This security breach occurs when an intruder follows an authorized person through a secured door. Therefore, employees must not let unknown individuals follow them into restricted areas. They must remain highly alert when entering secure facilities. Ultimately, every badge and door represents a potential entry point for a devastating hack.
Lock Screens & Reject Unknown USBs
Besides securing doors, officials targeted desk habits. Personnel must actively follow a clean-desk policy. Specifically, they need to keep printed documents, physical notes, and passwords completely out of sight. Furthermore, employees must lock their computer screens whenever they leave their workstations unattended.
Hardware vulnerabilities also present a massive risk. Consequently, the advisory explicitly warns staff against connecting unknown USB drives, chargers, or other external devices to corporate computers. Otherwise, these unverified devices could instantly expose organizational networks to severe security threats.
Protect Critical Systems. Guard Every Entry Point.
During #CyberMonth2026, #NationalCERT & @ntcpakofficial remind orgs that physical security is cybersecurity.
🪪 Protect access badges
🚪 Prevent tailgating
🔒 Lock unattended screens
🧹 Keep desks clear
🔌 Never use unknown USB. https://t.co/g0nr3i4bzi— PKCERT (@PKCERT_official) October 19, 2026
The authorities released this timely advisory as part of the Cyber Month 2026 campaign. Overall, the initiative seeks to raise awareness about physical security’s role in defending Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. Driving the message “Stay Aware, Stay Secure”, the two organizations want to create a safer digital environment. Finally, they urge all personnel to report any suspicious activity to their respective security teams immediately.