What is India planning? Pakistani cyber hackers hack defence websites in Pakistan

With increased tension between Pakistan and India following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian defense websites have been hacked by Pakistani hackers.  'Pakistan Cyber Force' also said it had hacked MES and Institute of Defence Studies data. One website also posted an image of a Pakistani tank instead of an Indian tank. Noting seriously the attacks, India has increased security and initiated an inquiry into potential damage.

Websites are being targeted by Pakistani hackers

Indian defence websites are being targeted by Pakistani hackers amid increasing tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack. The motive behind the attacks is to gain access to sensitive information, such as critical details like defence personnel's login credentials. 

Attack on sensitive defence institutions 

Sources informed that there is an online community named 'Pakistan Cyber Force' that has taken credit for hacking into the database of Indian Military Engineering Service (MES) and Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses. This cyber community apart from this also attempted to hack into the website of Armoured Vehicle Corporation Limited (AVNL), a Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Defence.

Probing potential harm

In precautionary measure, the website of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited has been shut down to enable a comprehensive technical audit of any potential damage due to the cyber attack to be conducted. Security agencies are now assessing the magnitude and gravity of the overall cyber attack.

Proactive surveillance and cyber vigilance

A group of cyber security professionals is keeping an eye on the source of attacks and attempting to determine if they are being orchestrated by Pakistan-supported factions. In addition, security measures are also being tightened further to fend off any cyber incursions in the future.

MES data is with us now

The social media account of 'Pakistan Cyber Force' uploaded screenshots of Indian defence websites, where a webpage displayed an image of a Pakistani tank rather than an Indian one. Another post uploaded a list of Indian Army personnel, which stated, "Hacked. Your security is an illusion. It was also claimed that they have around 10 GB of information of 1,600 users, which they have hacked from the Institute of Defence Studies."

Countermeasures and cyber defense

Serious about this issue, the Government of India has issued directions to enhance the cyber security infrastructure. Moreover, in light of the potential danger, the concerned agencies have been directed to be on high alert. Currently, a proper investigation is being conducted into the cause and origin of the attacks to avoid such in the future.