In a significant escalation of ongoing hostilities under Operation Bunyaan al-Marsoos (translated as “Iron Wall”), Pakistan has intensified its cyber warfare campaign against India, targeting multiple high-profile Indian government and defense websites. The operation marks a bold digital front in the conflict, unveiling critical vulnerabilities in India’s cyber infrastructure.
According to official sources, Pakistani cyber units have successfully hacked a number of Indian websites, including those belonging to the Assam Rifles, the Department of Atomic Energy, and the Indian Defence Production portal. The breaches reportedly exposed sensitive data, some of which has now surfaced on the dark web for sale, raising alarm among Indian intelligence agencies.
Read more: PAF Executes Cyber Attacks on Indian Air Force Networks
In a symbolic move, hackers left digital imprints on the defaced websites, displaying messages accusing India of terrorism and declaring India as a “hub of state-sponsored terror.” Screenshots circulating online reveal banners and messages detailing alleged evidence of Indian involvement in regional destabilization, adding a psychological dimension to the cyber assault.
Cybersecurity experts in India have described the attack as “a major breach of national defense networks,” with the Defence Production portal being the most critical target due to the sensitivity of its content related to weapons manufacturing and procurement.
This cyber offensive comes amidst increased military tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with both countries engaging in cross-border strikes and public accusations. Pakistan’s strategic use of cyber warfare signals a shift in its defense strategy, utilizing digital tools alongside conventional military responses.
Despite India’s previous claims of technological superiority in the field of information security, the breach exposes significant gaps in their cybersecurity readiness, casting doubt on the robustness of their digital defense architecture.
Indian officials have not yet issued an official statement regarding the breach, but internal sources confirm emergency meetings have been held to assess the scope of the damage and contain further fallout.
As Operation Bunyaan al-Marsoos continues, the cyber front appears to be playing a central role in shaping the narrative and direction of the ongoing conflict, raising concerns of further escalations in both the virtual and physical domains.
