Pakistani Hackers Breach Indian Defence Sites, Post Threats Online: Report
One of the primary targets of the alleged cyberattack was reportedly the website of the Military Engineer Services (MES).
Several Indian defence websites have come under attack from Pakistani hacker groups in the wake of the Pahalgam terror strike, ANI reported based on source inputs. Cybersecurity teams are on high alert as Indian defence sources confirm potential data breaches, raising fears of sensitive information being leaked.
Sensitive Data Allegedly Compromised
As per the report, sources in the defence establishment have revealed that the attackers may have obtained crucial details such as login credentials of defence personnel. One of the primary targets was reportedly the website of the Military Engineer Services (MES), a crucial wing responsible for infrastructure support to the Indian armed forces.
The hacker group claiming responsibility operates under the name Pakistan Cyber Force, which took to X (formerly Twitter) to flaunt its exploits. The now-suspended handle claimed to have infiltrated both the Military Engineer Services and the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis (MP-IDSA) websites, even suggesting possession of over 10 GB of data involving around 1,600 users from the latter.
Defacement Attempts and Website Shutdown
The group's cyber offensive also targeted the Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited (AVNL), a public sector defence enterprise. According to sources, an attempt was made to deface the AVNL website. In one instance, the homepage image of an Indian tank was replaced with that of a Pakistani tank.
“The website of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited has been taken offline for a thorough audit to assess the extent of any potential damage caused by the hacking attempt,” said a source aware of the matter. The step was deemed necessary to prevent further security compromises and allow cyber teams to investigate the breach comprehensively.
Government Tightens Digital Defences
In response, Indian cybersecurity experts are reportedly working around the clock to monitor any further signs of intrusion. Cybersecurity experts, the sources said, are actively monitoring cyberspace to detect any additional attacks, particularly those that may be sponsored by threat actors linked to Pakistan.
The now-suspended X handle also displayed a chilling message alongside a list of what appeared to be Indian defence personnel names: “Hacked. Your security is illusion. MES data owned.”
As authorities investigate the scope of the breach, efforts are being intensified to bolster the nation’s digital defence infrastructure. "Appropriate measures are being taken to strengthen the security infrastructure to guard against further intrusion attempts," sources added.
The recent attacks serve as a stark reminder of the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats and the critical need for robust digital fortification, especially in the defence sector.
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