Sometimes, the internet feels like a convenience we can’t live without. Other times, like this week, it reminds us just how exposed we really are. A massive data breach has surfaced — reportedly affecting over 180 million users worldwide — and yes, Pakistan is on that list too.
This wasn’t your typical “passwords leaked” headline. No, it’s bigger, wider, and frankly more disturbing. Cybersecurity researchers stumbled upon an open database floating around in the digital void — no password protection, no encryption, just sitting there, leaking information like a broken tap. Names, email addresses, phone numbers, and even device logs were up for grabs. For millions.
And while that might not sound too bad at first (after all, our names and emails are everywhere, right?), the real danger lies in how this data can be pieced together — used to mimic identities, push scams, or trick people into giving away even more sensitive info. It’s not just about what’s leaked, but what can be done with it.
What’s more frustrating is that Pakistanis — around 6 million of them — are part of this leak, and once again, we’re left wondering: where is our digital safety net? The country still lacks an enforceable data protection law. Yes, there’s talk, there’s draft bills, there are committees. But action? Not really.
And while tech companies play the blame game or issue generic statements, users are left cleaning up the mess. We’re told to change our passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid strange links — and yes, all that matters. But shouldn’t someone, somewhere, be held accountable?
This isn’t just about poor cybersecurity anymore. It’s about negligence — about treating user data like a casual afterthought.
Until governments take data seriously, until companies are legally bound to protect it, and until users are properly educated, this won’t be the last breach we hear about. Just the latest one.
