Saturday, March 29, 2025
May 5, 2025 |
A hacker group identifying itself as the Pakistan Cyber Force has claimed to have breached several Indian defence-related websites and accessed sensitive information. Among the reportedly targeted platforms are the Indian Military Engineering Services, the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, and others.
These cyber intrusions come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, which left 26 people dead, most of them tourists.
While Indian authorities have yet to officially confirm the extent of the breaches, sources familiar with the matter stated they are aware of the claims. It is suspected that the attackers may have compromised personal data and login credentials of defence personnel.
According to a post shared by the hacker group on platform X (formerly Twitter), they claimed access to classified personnel data, including login credentials related to Indian defence employees.
India’s cybersecurity agencies have begun an urgent investigation into the alleged cyberattacks. Preliminary findings suggest that, aside from data breaches, the hackers also attempted to deface the official website of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), a public sector unit under the Ministry of Defence.
The AVNL website was reportedly tampered with using the Pakistani flag and images of the Al-Khalid tank. As a precaution, the website has been taken offline for a full audit to assess any potential damage and ensure its security integrity.
Cybersecurity experts and intelligence agencies are maintaining heightened surveillance across cyberspace to detect any further cyber threats, particularly those potentially backed by Pakistan-based threat actors.
The alleged cyberattacks follow the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which has significantly worsened India-Pakistan relations. In response to the attack, India imposed several punitive measures, including suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, closing border crossings, cancelling visas issued to Pakistani nationals, and shutting down Indian airspace for Pakistani aircraft.
Monday’s breach marks the second Pakistan-sponsored cyber intrusion attempt reported this week. Earlier attempts included unsuccessful hacking of Indian websites associated with children, veterans, and welfare services.
Hacker groups identified as HOAX1337 and National Cyber Crew allegedly tried to deface websites of Army Public Schools in Nagrota and Sunjuwan with inflammatory content. These efforts even mocked the victims of the recent Pahalgam attack, further escalating tensions.
