In a fresh round of cyber provocations, India successfully thwarted a series of hacking attempts on Army-linked digital platforms by Pakistan-sponsored hacker groups. The cyber attacks, reported on Thursday, targeted websites connected to children, ex-servicemen, and welfare services, according to ANI.
Targeted Platforms: Schools, Veterans and Healthcare Sites
The hacker groups, identified as “Cyber Group HOAX1337” and “National Cyber Crew,” attempted to deface the official websites of Army Public School (APS) Nagrota and Sunjuwan. The attackers posted inflammatory content that mocked the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people, including 25 tourists, were killed.
One of the targeted platforms served healthcare services for ex-servicemen. Its defacement is viewed as a deliberate move to exploit sensitive and vulnerable societal groups.
A senior cybersecurity official, speaking anonymously, said: “Attacking platforms meant for children and veterans reflects a new low.”
Pattern of Provocation Continues
Indian cybersecurity teams swiftly detected and neutralised the attacks. Officials said the hackers also tried to breach the websites of the Army Institute of Hotel Management and services for Indian Air Force veterans. These attempts follow a consistent pattern of targeting non-combatant and welfare platforms.
On April 29, another group known as “IOK Hacker” (Internet of Khilafah) tried to deface multiple educational and welfare websites in India. The attackers failed to breach critical national systems.
Multiple Sites Under Attack
Indian intelligence agencies confirmed four related cyber incidents. Among the targeted were APS Srinagar and APS Ranikhet. APS Srinagar also suffered a distributed-denial-of-service (DDoS) attack. Hackers simultaneously tried to access the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) database and the Indian Air Force Placement Organisation’s portal.
Authorities responded immediately by isolating the affected systems. Officials confirmed that no sensitive or operational data was compromised. All websites have since been restored and are now secured with additional protective measures.
Continued Cross-Border Tensions
Meanwhile, tensions between India and Pakistan remain high at the Line of Control (LoC). For the eighth straight day, the Pakistan Army engaged in unprovoked small arms firing in sectors including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Naushera, and Akhnoor.
In response, the Indian Army issued a statement noting that troops responded in a “calibrated and proportionate manner” to the provocations.
Background: The Pahalgam Attack
The cyber aggression follows the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which heavily armed terrorists opened fire on tourists at the Baisaran grassland in Jammu and Kashmir. Twenty-six people were killed, including 25 tourists. The attack drew nationwide outrage and intensified counter-terror efforts by Indian forces.
