How Banking Security Works in Pakistan
Pakistan's banking sector operates under a layered security architecture one that covers everything from the server room to your smartphone screen.
The SBP’s Regulatory Framework
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is the primary regulator governing security standards for all banks. Its Regulations for the Security of Internet Banking require banks to implement administrative, technical and physical safeguards across all digital channels. More recently, the SBP’s Cyber Resilience Strategy for SBP Regulated Entities introduced a comprehensive cybersecurity roadmap to help financial institutions manage evolving digital threats in real time.
Every bank in Pakistan, including Allied Bank, must comply with these directives. This is not optional. Failure to comply constitutes a regulatory violation and subjects the institution to enforcement action under SBP’s supervisory authority.
The Legal Framework: PECA 2016
On the law enforcement side, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 serves as Pakistan’s primary legislation for prosecuting digital financial crimes, including identity theft, phishing and unauthorised account access. The Federal Investigation Agency’s National Response Centre for Cyber Crime (NR3C) is the designated unit for investigating banking-related cybercrime in Pakistan. If you are a victim of online banking fraud, a complaint to the NR3C is one of your formal recourse options.
How Allied Bank Protects Your Account
Allied Bank’s digital infrastructure is built around multiple layers of protection:
- SSL encryption secures all data travelling between your device and Allied Bank’s servers. No third party can read or alter it in transit.
- Firewalls and server-level security software protect Allied Bank’s systems from unauthorised access.
- A 6-digit One Time PIN (OTP) is required for all financial transactions through myABL — fund transfers, bill payments and more.
- Biometric login (Touch ID and Face ID on supported devices) provides an added layer of identity verification on the myABL app.
- Real-time transaction alerts notify you of every activity on your account as it happens.
The Most Common Banking Frauds in Pakistan
Understanding how fraud works is the first step to not becoming a victim. These are the threats Pakistani banking customers face most often.
Phishing is when a fraudster sends you a fake email, SMS or WhatsApp message designed to look like it came from your bank. The message typically asks you to click a link and enter your login credentials, OTP, or card details. The link leads to a copycat website built to steal whatever you enter.
Allied Bank will never ask you for your myABL username, password, ATM PIN or OTP through a phone call, SMS, email or social media message. Allied Bank’s official helpline, 042-111-225-225, is only used for receiving calls from customers — Allied Bank will never call you from that number.
If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from Allied Bank, do not click any links and do not share any information. Report it through the Allied Bank Help and Support page immediately.
In a SIM swap attack, a fraudster contacts your mobile network provider and convinces them to transfer your phone number to a new SIM card under their control. Once they have your number, they can intercept OTPs sent to your phone and gain access to your banking accounts.
Signs of a SIM swap include your phone suddenly losing network signal or receiving an unexpected notification from your mobile operator. If this happens, contact your mobile network and Allied Bank immediately.
Customers should ensure their mobile number registered with the bank remains up to date and immediately report any unauthorised SIM replacement activity to both their telecom provider and the bank.
Card skimming involves installing a device on an ATM or point-of-sale terminal that secretly copies your card data when you swipe or insert it. Fraudsters then use the copied data to create a cloned card and make unauthorised transactions.
Before using an ATM:
- Inspect the card reader for any loose or unusual attachments.
- Cover your hand when entering your PIN — even if no one appears to be watching.
- Prefer ATMs inside bank branches or well-lit, monitored locations.
Vishing is phone-based fraud. A caller impersonates a bank employee, government official or telecom company representative and creates a sense of urgency — telling you that your account has been compromised, that you owe taxes, or that you’ve won a prize. The goal is always the same: to get you to share your banking credentials, OTP or card details over the phone.
No legitimate Allied Bank representative will ever ask for your PIN, OTP or full card number over the phone.
Fake banking apps are one of the most effective tools cybercriminals use today. Designed to look identical to the real thing, these malicious apps silently capture your PIN/password, record your screen, and steal login credentials — transmitting everything to a remote attacker without any visible sign on your device.
Download banking applications only from official application stores, like Google Play Store, Apple App Store or Huawei AppGallery. Verify that the publisher is the bank before installation. Never install an APK file sent via WhatsApp, email or any other channel.
Online Banking Safety: What You Can Do
Technical safeguards alone cannot eliminate risk. These practices address the human element, which remains the most frequently exploited vulnerability in financial fraud.
Your myABL password should be a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. Avoid your name, date of birth, address or anything that someone who knows you could guess. Do not use the same password across multiple apps or websites.
Choose a strong password and never reuse it across other accounts. Change it immediately if you suspect unauthorised access and call 042-111-225-225 without delay. For stronger protection, enable two-factor authentication on your account.
Never store your password in your browser, in a notes app or anywhere on your device.
Transaction alerts are one of the most reliable early-warning systems available. Every time money moves in or out of your account, you get a notification. If you spot a transaction you didn’t authorise, you can act within minutes.
You can subscribe to transaction alerts through the myABL app or by contacting Allied Bank’s phone banking team.
Public Wi-Fi networks lack the security controls required for safe financial transactions. Allied Bank strongly advises against accessing any digital banking service over a public or shared network. Use your personal mobile data connection, or a trusted private network, for all banking activity.
After every session on myABL Internet Banking, use the ‘Logout’ option to properly end your session. Do not simply close the browser tab. This is especially important on shared or borrowed devices — though the safest rule is to avoid banking on a device that is not your own.
Software updates patch security vulnerabilities. Keep your phone’s operating system, the myABL app and your antivirus software up to date. An outdated app or operating system is an open door for known exploits.
When logging in to myABL Internet Banking, type the address directly into your browser rather than following a link from an email or SMS. Check that the URL is correct and that a padlock icon appears in the browser bar. This confirms the connection is encrypted.
Social Engineering Awareness
Technical controls cannot protect against an attack that convinces you to act voluntarily. Social engineering is the practice of manipulating individuals into disclosing confidential information or authorising transactions, and it is among the most effective methods used against banking customers in Pakistan.
These attacks take many forms:
- Vishing (voice phishing): A caller poses as an Allied Bank representative, SBP official, or FBR officer and requests your OTP, card number, or account credentials to “verify your identity” or “resolve an urgent issue.”
- Smishing (SMS phishing): A message mimicking an official bank alert contains a link to a fake login page designed to capture your credentials.
- Impersonation fraud: Fraudsters claiming to be bank staff may already know your name, partial account details, or recent transaction history, appearing credible.
- Urgency and fear tactics: Fraudsters create artificial urgency — a blocked account, a pending penalty, a suspicious transaction — to pressure you into acting before you think.
Allied Bank will never call, message, or email you to ask for your PIN, OTP, full card number, or myABL password. No legitimate representative of the bank, SBP, or any government agency will request this information through an inbound contact.
If you receive a suspicious call or message, end it without engaging further and call Allied Phone Banking directly at 042-111-225-225 to verify.
Physical Document Security
Digital fraud gets most of the attention, but physical documents are still a meaningful attack vector.
- Shred expired credit and debit cards rather than simply throwing them away. Cut through the chip and magnetic strip.
- Shred bank statements, deposit slips and any paper that carries your account number, CNIC or card details.
- Do not write your PIN on your card or keep it in your wallet alongside your card.
- Do not share your CNIC number or a copy of your card through any digital channel unless you have independently verified the request through an official source. Fraudsters routinely impersonate banks, regulators, and government agencies to obtain this information. Once shared, it can be used to register SIMs, open accounts, or conduct transactions in your name.
This is worth reading carefully and sharing with anyone in your household who uses banking services:
- Allied Bank will never ask for your myABL username or password via any channel.
- Allied Bank will never ask for your ATM PIN, credit or debit card number, or CVV over the phone, by email or through social media.
- Allied Bank will never ask you to share an OTP with a caller.
- Allied Bank will never contact you from 042-111-225-225.
If someone claiming to be from Allied Bank contacts you and asks for any of the above, end the call immediately and report the incident.
How to Report Banking Fraud in Pakistan
If you suspect fraudulent activity on your Allied Bank account, take the following steps in order:
The information provided in this article is intended for general awareness purposes only. While Allied Bank endeavours to keep this content accurate and up to date, it does not constitute legal, regulatory or financial advice. Customers are encouraged to contact Allied Bank directly at 042-111-225-225 for guidance specific to their accounts or circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is online banking safe in Pakistan?
Yes — when used correctly. Banks operating in Pakistan follow strict cybersecurity standards mandated by the State Bank of Pakistan, including encryption, multi-factor authentication and fraud monitoring systems. Your responsibility is to follow good security habits: strong passwords, transaction alerts, official app sources and no sharing of credentials with anyone.
Q. What should I do if I receive a suspicious call or message claiming to be from Allied Bank?
Do not share any information. Allied Bank will never ask for your password, PIN or OTP through a call, SMS or email. End the call or ignore the message, and report the incident to Allied Bank at 042-111-225-225 or through the Help and Support page.
Q. How can I tell if an ATM has been tampered with?
Look for anything that seems loose, discoloured or out of place around the card slot or keypad. A skimming device is usually an overlay fitted on top of the original hardware. If the card slot feels unusually thick or the keypad feels spongy, move to a different machine and report it to the bank.
Q. Can someone access my account if they have my debit card number?
Your debit card number alone is not enough to access your myABL account. However, combined with your CVV and expiry date, it can be used to make online purchases on platforms that don't require OTP verification. Keep your card details private and enable transaction alerts so you're notified of every transaction.
Q. What is the difference between phishing and vishing?
Phishing uses fake emails, SMSs or websites to steal your information. Vishing (voice phishing) uses phone calls. Both aim to obtain your credentials or card details through deception. Allied Bank will never initiate contact to ask for this information through either channel. Allied Bank employs multiple layers of security designed to protect customer accounts and transactions. By following safe banking practices, remaining alert to fraud attempts and reporting suspicious activity promptly, customers can further strengthen the security of their financial information. For more on how to stay safe while banking digitally, visit Allied Bank's Customer Awareness page.