A group of Pakistani hackers referred to as the “Pakistan Cyber Force” have taken credit for hacking a number of Indian defence-related websites and obtaining sensitive personnel information. The cyber attack, as reported by the group, was directed against important institutions, such as the Indian Military Engineering Services and Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA).
Claim of Accessing Classified Information
The group declared its operations on a post to its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, saying it had obtained classified information, including login credentials of Indian defence personnel. Officials aware of the situation verified they have noticed the group’s assertions on the internet and are evaluating the potential effect.
The hackers deliberately targeted data pertaining to Indian military personnel and other defence personnel, the post said. Indian cybersecurity authorities have initiated immediate probes to establish the magnitude of the reported breach.
Defence Institute Denies Hacking Allegations
In spite of what the group said, top leadership at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses has categorically refuted the existence of such a breach. According to a report by ANI, “Senior management of Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses categorically denied that its website was hacked.”
Attempt to Deface MoD-Affiliated PSU Website
In another related cyber attack, the same group is said to have tried to deface the official site of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited (AVNL), a public sector undertaking of the Ministry of Defence. Officials verified that the defacement included putting the Pakistan flag and a photo of the Al Khalid tank on the website.
As a precautionary measure, the AVNL website was taken down and a comprehensive audit was launched to investigate any possible security breaches or damage.
Cybersecurity Agencies in High Alert
Indian cybersecurity experts and officials are now in high alert, keeping a close eye on digital infrastructure for any other intrusions. Agencies are especially keen on detecting cyber threats that could be attributed to actors based out of Pakistan.
Escalating Tensions Post-Pahalgam Attack
The alleged cyber intrusion is concurrent with heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 individuals. India has taken a number of punitive measures in retaliation against the attack, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty, an old treaty that regulates water sharing between the two countries.
Second Attempt Since the Pahalgam Incident
This is the second attempt at cyberattack traced back to Pakistan-backed actors since the Pahalgam attack. Last week, two hacking crews named “Cyber Group HOAX1337” and “National Cyber Crew” attempted to hit Indian sites affiliated with schools and veteran service.
One of the targets included the websites of Army Public School (APS) Nagrota and Sunjuwan. The hackers allegedly attempted to deface the sites with provocative content that ridiculed the victims of the recent terror attack.
Authorities have strengthened digital defenses on government and defence-related platforms in response to these repeated cyber attacks.
