Pakistan-linked cyber attackers targeted Indian Army schools and government websites in a fresh wave of hacking attempts following the Pahalgam terror attack. The hackers defaced sites with anti-India messages and Pakistan flags, escalating tensions between the two nations.
On Tuesday, hackers operating as “IOK Hacker” attacked Army Public Schools in Srinagar and Ranikhet, the Army Welfare Housing Organisation database, and the Indian Air Force Placement portal. They tried to disrupt services and access personal data, leaving messages like “SITE HACKED” with references to Kashmir.
One message read, “Indian Army Housing Society complete data leak… we know your home address now,” accompanied by a Pakistan flag and an image of a person in a Guy Fawkes mask. The hackers also attempted a denial-of-service attack on APS Srinagar’s website.
Indian cybersecurity teams detected and blocked the intrusions in real time. All affected sites were isolated, restored, and no classified data was compromised, officials confirmed. “The Indian Army continues to strengthen its cyber defenses,” a source told .
This is not the first such attack. Last week, the Army College of Nursing website was hacked by a group called Team Insane PK, which posted provocative content about the two-nation theory. Earlier on Tuesday, three Rajasthan government websites were also defaced by hackers claiming to be part of the “Pakistan Cyber Force.”
The cyber assaults come amid heightened tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 people, including tourists, were killed. India blamed Pakistan-based terrorists, leading to diplomatic clashes. Pakistan denied involvement but retaliated by expelling Indian diplomats and suspending trade.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to punish those responsible for the Pahalgam attack. India has since tightened security and cyber defenses to prevent further breaches. Experts warn that such hacking attempts may increase as geopolitical tensions rise.
The Indian government is monitoring the situation closely, with cybersecurity agencies on high alert. Officials assure that critical military and defense networks remain secure despite the recent provocations.
As investigations continue, India is expected to take stronger measures against cyber threats, including potential counter-operations. The hacking incidents highlight the growing digital warfare dimension in the India-Pakistan conflict.
Authorities urge citizens and institutions to remain vigilant against phishing and cyberattacks. With no signs of de-escalation, the cyber battle between the two nations is likely to intensify in the coming days.
Disclaimer: This report is based on official statements and cybersecurity findings. The hacking claims are under investigation.
Source: NDTV