Cyber-attacks originating from Pakistan have escalated sharply, targeting critical Indian defence establishments. In the latest wave, the official website of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), a key defence PSU, was defaced, and hackers claimed to have accessed sensitive data from the Military Engineering Services (MES) and the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA).
A hacker group identifying itself as the “Pakistan Cyber Force” has allegedly compromised the personal information of defence personnel associated with MES and MP-IDSA, including login credentials. Additionally, the AVNL website was defaced with imagery depicting the Pakistan flag and the Al Khalid tank, according to sources on Monday.
Security Measures Underway to Contain Damage and Prevent Further Intrusions
Following the breach, AVNL’s website has been taken offline to allow for a thorough forensic audit. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and reviewing the integrity of the digital infrastructure.
Cybersecurity teams and specialised agencies are actively monitoring the situation to detect and neutralize any further intrusion attempts from actors linked to Pakistan. Measures are being implemented to bolster cybersecurity infrastructure, strengthen digital defenses, and increase the resilience of critical platforms against future threats.
Also read: NITTTR, ISAC, Zscaler Partner for Cyber Wellness Initiative
Officials confirmed that the current focus is on rapidly identifying vulnerabilities, mitigating risks, and enhancing the preparedness of systems across defence entities.
Broader Pattern of Cyber Threats Against Indian Forces
The cyberattacks follow a broader pattern observed in recent months. After the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan-based cyber actors also attempted to deface pages and extract information from welfare and educational websites linked to the Indian armed forces. Prompt intervention and restorative actions had thwarted those attempts at that time.
With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated and persistent, Indian authorities are intensifying efforts to fortify digital defences, ensuring critical systems are better protected against emerging and persistent cyber risks.
