India Fends Off Cyber Offensive Amid Operation Sindoor
Why in News?
- Amid the execution of Operation Sindoor, a military initiative targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), India faced a significant cyber offensive. State-backed hackers and hacktivist groups launched coordinated cyberattacks on Indian digital infrastructure, aiming to exploit vulnerabilities during the heightened military operations.
Important Key Points:
-
Coordinated Cyberattacks:
Between May 5 and May 7, 2025, Indian institutions, including the Army Nursing College in Jalandhar and multiple Army Public Schools in Nagrota and Sunjuwan, were targeted. These attacks involved website defacements and attempted breaches, marking a clear escalation in hybrid warfare tactics. -
Hybrid Warfare Tactics:
The cyber offensives were part of a broader strategy to spread disinformation and lower morale, employing psychological operations alongside physical attacks. Experts from the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses highlighted the use of false narratives as tools of modern conflict. -
India’s Cyber Resilience:
In response, India activated its digital defence protocols, placing cybersecurity agencies on high alert. “Appropriate and necessary measures” were implemented to bolster cyber resilience and safeguard critical infrastructure against ongoing threats. -
Continued Vigilance:
Despite a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, Indian defence establishments remain vigilant. The convergence of physical and cyber warfare underscores the need for comprehensive security measures in both domains.
