ISLAMABAD, MAY 10: In what is being described as one of the largest and most sophisticated cyber offensives in the region’s history, Pakistan has reportedly crippled key elements of India’s digital infrastructure through a series of high-impact strikes.
The cyber attack, believed to be meticulously coordinated, targeted a wide array of critical sectors ranging from energy and telecommunications to defense and government portals.
According to sources within Pakistan’s cybersecurity apparatus, the operation saw the following major targets compromised:
- Energy Sector: A series of ten SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems within India’s energy sector were successfully breached, disrupting control systems and potentially compromising the stability of key power generation and distribution networks.
- Web Infrastructure: In a devastating blow to India’s digital framework, a total of 1,744 web servers were completely destroyed. All data stored on these servers was permanently wiped, causing irreparable damage to both public and private sector infrastructure.
- Energy and Consumer Platforms: Pakistani cyber units reportedly shut down wind turbines across various states, and several consumer electricity portals were rendered inaccessible, severely disrupting electricity distribution to Indian citizens.
- Transportation and Utilities: The Indian Railways’ entire ICT infrastructure, alongside critical services for the Delhi Gas Discom and Kashmir Electric Discom, were obliterated. The damage resulted in complete data erasure, disrupting daily operations for millions.
- Telecommunications and Security: Over 120 routers and 1,310 IP cameras were defaced, with their configurations altered. The cyber assault extended to multiple surveillance systems, compromising security at key installations.
- Government and Corporate Websites: A coordinated effort saw the defacement of 13 government portals, including those belonging to high-profile agencies like the Crime Research Investigation Agency (CRIAI) and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Additionally, 110 corporate websites were taken offline, including major firms like Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- Defense and Sensitive Data: Pakistani hackers reportedly stole over 150 databases containing highly sensitive information, which has since been leaked onto various platforms. This includes information from India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF). Furthermore, the Maharashtra Election Commission’s database was accessed, and Paytm’s database was also compromised, further highlighting the operation’s broad scope.
- Massive Surveillance Breach: One of the most alarming aspects of the attack was the breach of over 2,500 surveillance cameras in India, rendering them inoperable. A watermark of the cyber operation was reportedly embedded on the video footage showcasing the destruction of the BrahMos missile storage site in Beas, Punjab. The video, which surfaced online shortly after the attack, displayed significant damage to the storage facility, casting doubt on the security of India’s defense infrastructure.
- Media Disruption: The cyber offensive also targeted media organizations, with three prominent Indian news channels being defaced and disrupted. These attacks left thousands of viewers without access to critical news and updates during an already tense period.
While the full scope of the attack’s aftermath is still being assessed, the scale of destruction has prompted reactions from both governments. Indian officials have yet to comment comprehensively on the attack, though cybersecurity experts from the region have warned that the damage could take weeks, if not months, to repair.
The cyber strike follows a string of heightened geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, with both countries accusing each other of engaging in cyber warfare to undermine national security.
