Mobile Banking Fraud – Be Aware!

Stealing money through your mobile banking application is burning news nowadays. Mobile banking started with the use of SMS banking. The evolution of smartphones, which brought several easiness by transforming human’s daily life, also fascinated banking sector. In 2011, the first mobile application launched for banking functions. 

Pakistan also adopted mobile banking facilitation for their customers. With around 75 million smartphones users out of 165 million total mobile phone users in Pakistan, more than 5 million users have been registered for mobile banking with 23 different banks. There is huge surge found in transactions through mobile banking from last year. 

Thus, this becoming the center of attraction for hackers or scammers for looting money. Last year, Federal Investigating Agency (FIA) Pakistan received more than 1200 complaints regarding online banking. The mobile applications provided by your bank are being targeted by hackers around the world. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) noted 50% surge in mobile application exploitation during this pandemic situation 2020 in United States. 

This all happening by tricking people and getting unauthorized access to mobile accounts. Hackers are using malicious virus, fake application, malicious email asking you to click on bad links or directly breaking your device to use your mobile accounts for transactions. 

       

Some precautions here that you must take e.g. use strong password, change your account password every 2 or 3 month, use 2 factor authentication at least when you log in, be aware of scam emails, be aware of criminals calling for one-time-pin or pretending your friend, on Whatsapp, asking for emergency transaction, keep update your mobile software and the bank application, avoid using public wi-fi, use any phone lock method and etc. If any such incident occurs with you, you can do approach National Response Centre for Cyber Crime (NR3C) Pakistan or can call helpline 9911. With all above, our concern authority also needs to take precautionary steps by making comprehensive policy for banks, providing mobile application to their customer. 

Regards,

Yasir Iqbal 

An American Muslim Girl - Hijab Story

This is a story of a girl, Ayesha Siddiqua, who grew up in America but has great interest and depth knowledge in Islam, its history, culture and she wants to see Pakistan a true 'Madina ki Riyasat'. She also possesses motivation and views in politics of Pakistan and world. Here is her story of Hijab, what she faced during her schooling, how and why she finally adopted Hijab:

"I grew up in western culture with a vague understanding of Islam. To me, Islam was peaceful, Allah, a Merciful Creator, and hijab was modesty in one's niyat. I am a proud Muslimah and this is my Hijab story. I began wearing a hijab in third grade simply because all the Muslim girls around me were wearing them. Without understanding the meaning behind why one should wear a hijab, I abandoned it in fifth grade after getting bullied in school. Throughout middle school, my mom continuously asked me to wear hijab, and I repeatedly rejected, sometimes out-rightly, other times by stalling and promising to wear it once I enter high school. During that time, a relative advised me to wear hijab, and I rejected by saying, my intentions are pure, thus I don't need a piece of fabric to protect me. Those with impure thoughts simply shouldn't look at me if they have 'Iman' in their hearts. This truly hurt her.

Then one day in 8th grade, I was walking home after school when a couple of boys from my school bus began catcalling. Among them, 2 were Hispanic, thus I didn't understand what they were saying besides Mamacita. I ran home, locked my room, wrapped myself in a scarf and cried. At that point, I understood that even though my heart is pure, I must try to protect myself from those with disgusting intentions toward me. However, I still didn't wear the hijab, fearing I'd be bullied and might lose my friends. Through the World History class at school and my keen interest in proving that my religion is the best in debate class, I did some research to find that Islam surely is peaceful but also just. Allah is indeed merciful, but also mighty. And Hijab means physical modesty as well. At the end of 8th grade, I became very vocal about atrocities being committed against Muslims across the globe along with showing disgust towards the LGBT fad followers to which my friends didn't respond appreciatively. They were taken aback, giving me the strength to accept myself.

Ramadan began and let me tell you it was one of the scorching hot summer Ramadans I've lived through, a perfect time for me to begin wearing the hijab. Yes, I did lose my friends, and it hurt not that I've lost them, but that I was friends with fakes. High school began and once a popular outspoken girl, I became shy and a mere shadow, a simple nobody, a social outcast. Many came up to me to say how good I looked without my hijab and that they miss my hair to which my only response was, I like it this way. I don't know what it is, but my hijab empowers me to speak on issues that matter, that I care about without being afraid of others' reaction or their hate. It strengthens me to hold fast to my religion & stand up for it against its vile enemies."

She says, "Hijab gives me an identity of a Muslimah!"

Regards,

Ayesha Siddiqua

The purpose of this post was to share her journey of finally accepting who she is. Yes, she may not have fake friends now, but she has a true purpose, an individual voice that she tried hiding for years behind highlight and fancy hairstyles. And honestly, this life is way better according to her. :)