Pakistan-based cyber group claims Indian defence institutions 'HACKED', allege access to personnel data

In a serious cyberattack, hackers based in Pakistan have targeted several Indian defence websites, stealing sensitive data and login credentials of defence personnel. The breach has affected systems used by armed forces and key defence institutions.

According to early intelligence findings, the attackers gained access to backend systems of official defence portals. Cybersecurity teams are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and working to prevent further data leaks. Emergency audits have been launched across defence networks.

A group calling itself the "Pakistan Cyber Force" claimed responsibility for the attack via its account on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The group said it had accessed confidential data from the Indian Military Engineering Service (MES) and the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA).

Sources said that personal details and login credentials of defence personnel may have been compromised. The group also attempted to deface the website of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited (AVNL), a public sector unit under the Ministry of Defence. The website was defaced with a Pakistan flag and an image of the Al-Khalid tank, a Pakistani battle tank.

As a security measure, AVNL’s official website has been taken offline. It will remain down while a thorough investigation is conducted to evaluate any lasting impact from the defacement. Officials said the goal is to ensure that no part of the system remains vulnerable.

Meanwhile, Indian cybersecurity experts are actively monitoring digital networks to track possible follow-up attacks. The alert level has been raised across government IT systems, with a focus on detecting threats linked to state-sponsored Pakistani hackers.

Authorities have launched efforts to strengthen India’s digital defences. New measures are being put in place to improve the resilience of defence websites and prevent future intrusions. Officials said this is part of a broader push to boost the nation’s cybersecurity readiness.

This incident has raised fresh concerns about cyber warfare and digital espionage targeting critical infrastructure in India.