The State Cyber Department has put response measures in place combating co-ordinated attempts to disrupt essential services; earlier this month, Maharashtra Cyber issued a confidential advisory to key government departments and critical sectors, titled “Echoes of Pahalgam”
Citizens are advised to refrain from clicking on unverified content. Representational pic/iStock
India has been facing a significant increase in cyber attacks on its critical infrastructure since border tensions escalated, particularly following the recent developments in Pahalgam. Despite the conditional ceasefire declared on Saturday evening, the Maharashtra State Cyber Department continues to monitor and put in place response measures in light of threats and co-ordinated attempts by hostile entities to undermine national security and disrupt essential services.
Earlier this month, Maharashtra Cyber issued a confidential advisory to key government departments and critical sectors, titled “Echoes of Pahalgam”. The alert warned that India’s defence, education, banking, railways, and information technology sectors were likely targets of foreign-backed cyber attacks.
The report claimed that in the first 10 days following the Pahalgam terror attack, at least one million cyber attempts were made by cross-border hackers. Agencies were advised to implement immediate security enhancements and maintain heightened vigilance.
Recent intelligence gathered by the Cyber Department points to a surge in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, website defacements, and coordinated misinformation campaigns — all believed to be a wider retaliation to Operation Sindoor.
The report states that malicious actors are not only targeting institutional networks, but are also deploying malware through emails and messaging platforms. These messages often contain files disguised as legitimate government documents. Once opened, they can compromise devices, steal personal data, allow unauthorised surveillance, or trigger further spread of the malware across connected networks.
Users are advised to refrain from engaging with unverified digital content, particularly files or links from unknown sources. All government-related information should be verified through official portals before being accessed. Citizens and organisations are encouraged to ensure their cyber security software is current and to regularly conduct system health checks.
Officials also emphasised that distributing false or misleading information, even unintentionally, is a punishable offence under the law. “The public is strongly urged to rely solely on verified government sources for updates on sensitive national matters and to avoid sharing images, messages, or videos that lack official confirmation.” The Maharashtra cyber said in a statement.
No to bursting of firecrackers until June 9
As part of ongoing precautions, the city police have issued a preventive order banning the use of firecrackers within city limits. Although such orders are routinely issued, the current directive gains added significance due to the prevailing security situation.
The order, issued by DCP (Operations) Akbar Pathan, states, “No person shall let off or throw any firecrackers/fireworks or send up any rocket, including a ‘chidi’, in
or upon any place within the limits of Brihan Mumbai from May 11 to June 9, 2025 (both days inclusive).”
The order also mandates its public promulgation by displaying copies at prominent locations and making announcements via loudspeakers and megaphones.
1M
No. of cross-border cyber attacks since the Pahalgam terrorist strike
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