Phone location on using internet is a cyber threat: NCERT

Turning on your phone location while using the internet could expose you to cyber threat. The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has warned that sharing real-time phone locations online could expose users to cyber threats, including stalking, unauthorised tracking and privacy breaches. The advisory, issued in collaboration with the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026, urges internet users to review their privacy settings and disable location sharing when it is not needed. According to National CERT, location data can reveal far more than a person's position on a map. It can provide insights into daily routines, personal habits and movements, potentially allowing malicious actors to identify where someone lives, works and frequently visits. The advisory warns that real-time location sharing could make it easier for malicious actors to monitor individuals without their knowledge or consent. Location information may also reveal when people are at home or away, potentially increasing the risk of stalking, unwanted surveillance and other security threats. Repeated location updates can expose patterns of behaviour and show which people an individual regularly meets, potentially revealing personal relationships and social connections. These risks may arise when users share their live locations through applications or leave location permissions enabled on their smartphones without considering how the information could be used. National CERT has advised users to switch off location sharing when it is unnecessary and regularly check the permissions granted to mobile applications. Users have also been encouraged to exercise caution when sharing personal information online and offline, particularly when using services that provide live location updates. Reviewing app permissions, limiting access to location data and avoiding unnecessary sharing of real-time movements can help reduce the risk of unwanted tracking. National CERT and NTC said preventive measures and greater public awareness were important for protecting personal information and improving digital safety in Pakistan. The warning forms part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026, which aims to encourage responsible online behaviour and stronger privacy practices. The advisory highlights the need for internet users to understand how information collected by their devices and applications can be used, and to take steps to protect their digital privacy.