In the era of digital warfare, cyberattacks have emerged as a silent yet devastating weapon. One of the ongoing cyber threats India faces comes from Pakistan-based hacker groups and individuals who target critical Indian infrastructure, government agencies, financial institutions, and citizens. These attacks not only cause financial loss but also aim to destabilize national security, spread misinformation, and erode public trust.
This blog dives deep into the history, patterns, motivations, and major cyberattacks from Pakistan against India, along with steps to safeguard yourself in today’s digital age.
What is a Cyberattack?
A cyberattack is an intentional attempt to breach the information systems of an individual or organization. The attacker seeks to steal, alter, or destroy a specified target by hacking into a vulnerable system.
Types of cyberattacks include:
Phishing
DDoS attacks
Malware and ransomware
Website defacement
Data breaches
Espionage and data theft
Pakistan-Backed Cyber Threat Actors
Indian security agencies and cybersecurity firms have identified multiple hacker groups suspected to operate from or receive support within Pakistan. Some prominent groups include:
1. APT36 (Transparent Tribe)
One of the most active groups.
Known for targeting Indian military, government officials, and defense institutions.
Uses social engineering and spear phishing tactics.
2. SideCopy
- Known for imitating Indian hacking groups to confuse defenders.
- Targets the Indian Army and nuclear facilities.
3. Ganon Group
Focused on media manipulation and website defacement.
Major Cyberattacks from Pakistan Against India
1. Pulwama Attack Aftermath (2019)
Following the Pulwama terrorist attack, a massive surge in cyberattacks targeting Indian government websites was noticed. More than 90 Indian websites were defaced by Pakistani hackers with anti-India messages.
2. Indian Army Fake Recruitment Campaigns
APT36 used fake job portals and malware-infected resume files to gather sensitive information from defense personnel.
3. COVID-19 Themed Attacks (2020)
Pakistani hackers launched phishing campaigns pretending to be Indian government health advisories during the pandemic to steal personal and banking information.
4. Cyberattack on Indian Power Grid (2021)
Although not confirmed officially, reports hinted at Pakistan-backed attempts to probe vulnerabilities in India’s power infrastructure. Some incidents were linked to cross-border cooperation with Chinese hacker groups.
5. Defacement of Educational Institutions’ Websites
Universities like Delhi University, IITs, and various colleges have been defaced multiple times with anti-national messages and threats.
Techniques Used by Pakistani Hackers
Spear Phishing: Sending targeted malicious emails to government employees.
Malware Distribution: Using fake apps and documents to install spyware.
Social Media Manipulation: Creating fake profiles to spread misinformation and provoke civil unrest.
Website Defacement: Hacking into websites and replacing content with propaganda.
Cyber Espionage: Stealing classified information from Indian defense and diplomatic agencies.
Government Response & Cybersecurity Measures
The Indian government has taken several initiatives to curb these threats:
1. CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team)
Monitors and alerts on cyber threats, provides advisory bulletins.
2. National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP)
Framework to secure critical infrastructure and improve national cyber resilience.
3. Cyber Swachhta Kendra
A botnet cleaning and malware analysis center for public safety.
4. Digital Army Division
The Indian Army created a special Cyber Warfare Division to deal with cross-border threats.
5. Public Education and Awareness Campaigns
Encouraging citizens to secure devices, avoid suspicious links, and report phishing attempts.
How to Protect Yourself from Cyber Threats
Whether you’re a student, professional, or government employee, follow these cyber hygiene practices:
Keep your systems and antivirus updated.
Use strong and unique passwords; enable two-factor authentication.
Be cautious of suspicious emails, links, and unknown attachments.
Avoid downloading apps from unverified sources.
Don’t overshare personal details on social media.
Report cyber incidents to the Cyber Crime Portal: www.cybercrime.gov.in
Conclusion
India’s cybersecurity landscape is under constant pressure from hostile neighbors like Pakistan. While government agencies and defense systems are evolving to tackle these threats, individual awareness and responsible digital behavior are the first lines of defense.
As digital conflicts become more common than physical wars, it’s important for every Indian citizen to stay informed, stay alert, and contribute to the country’s cyber resilience.
