Businesses across Pakistan have been put on alert after a critical cybersecurity warning flagged serious flaws in a widely used automation tool. The issue, identified by the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT), could allow hackers to break into systems, access sensitive data, and even take full control of company operations.
According to officials, the vulnerability exists in software commonly used by businesses to connect different applications and automate routine tasks. Such tools are popular among companies looking to improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and manage workflows more smoothly.
However, the same convenience may now be turning into a major security risk.
CERT has warned that attackers can exploit these flaws to bypass built-in protections and gain unauthorized access to systems. More concerning is the possibility of retrieving encryption keys, which protect stored passwords. Once accessed, hackers could decrypt credentials, log into company platforms, and remain inside systems without being detected.
The severity of the issue has been rated at 9.5 out of 10, placing it in the “critical” category. Both cloud-based services and locally hosted servers are affected, particularly those connected to the internet or configured with public access.
Cybersecurity experts say this is not an isolated concern. In recent years, automation tools have become central to how modern businesses operate, especially in developing digital markets like Pakistan. But as reliance on such tools grows, so does the risk of exploitation if security measures are not regularly updated.
CERT has advised organizations to immediately install the latest updates, review access permissions, and audit automated workflows. Companies have also been urged to change stored passwords and strengthen overall system controls.
While temporary steps such as disabling certain features may reduce short-term exposure, officials caution that these measures alone are not enough to stop a determined attack.
