India-Pakistan Conflict: Here’s How to Stay Vigilant Against Cyberthreats and Misinformation

Cybersecurity First: Don’t Fall for Fake Alerts or Attacks

India-Pakistan ongoing conflict has opened floodgates to silent cyber threats and misinformation campaigns across social media platforms. From messages claiming mass ATM shutdowns to ransomware attacks, several such cyber attacks, allegedly launched by Pakistan, have gone viral. Others have warned of fake video viruses like “Dance of the Hillary,” causing people to panic and spread baseless content without checking authenticity.

These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a larger, coordinated attempt to exploit public sentiment and create chaos. In these situations, our cybersecurity awareness becomes the first line of national defense.

Cybersecurity First: Don’t Fall for Fake Alerts or Attacks

There has been a sharp spike in false cyberattack claims, misinformation campaigns, and hoaxes circulated through WhatsApp forwards, social media, and even some unverified media channels. These messages are designed to create panic, distract the public, and distort facts — especially during times of heightened geopolitical tension.

One of the major fake claims doing the rounds was about Pakistan launching a ransomware cyberattack that allegedly disrupted India’s ATMs and power grid. Some even claimed 70% of India’s electricity infrastructure was compromised, which is categorically false. The PIB Fact Check unit has clarified that no such cyberattack has occurred.

Cybersecurity experts and government sources have repeatedly urged citizens to:

  • Avoid clicking on any forwarded or unknown links in WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, or social media DMs.
  • Never download or open unverified apps or documents from unofficial sources.
  • Do not believe or share information unless it is verified by official government handles or reliable media.

The Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India have also reviewed the cyber preparedness of Indian banks in light of these rumours. There is no disruption in banking services, including ATMs, UPI, or mobile transactions.

Misinformation: Recent Fake Claims Busted by PIB

A number of false narratives have been spread in recent hours and days. The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit has officially debunked several of them:

  • ATMs being shut down for 2–3 days due to a cyberattack: FAKE
  • Indian Air Force pilot Squadron Leader Shivani Singh captured: FAKE
  • Bathinda Airfield destroyed in an attack: FAKE
  • S-400 air defense system destroyed by Pakistan: FAKE
  • Missile strike on Delhi Airport: The video circulated is actually from a gas explosion in Yemen in August 2024.
  • 70% of India’s electricity grid non-functional due to cyberattack: FAKE
  • Advisory to turn off mobile location services immediately: FAKE
  • Shutdown of Delhi–Mumbai airline route: FAKE
    (The Airports Authority of India has only altered 25 ATS segments for operational reasons)

Always rely on verified channels like PIB Fact Check or credible fact-checking websites like Factly to confirm or debunk any such information.

What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Message

If you receive messages with urgent warnings, leaked secrets, or emotional appeals, do not forward them. Such messages often include:

  • Claims that begin with “Breaking News” but cite no source.
  • Urgency to “forward immediately to 10 people.”
  • Alarming statements without a credible news link.
  • Unknown URLs or video files with names like “Hillary” or “classified footage.”

Do not click on these links or download any attachments. Even opening them could compromise your device or expose your personal data.

Emergency Contact Numbers (Jammu Region)

For official updates and assistance, refer to these District Control Rooms operating 24×7:

  • Jammu: 0191-2571912, 0191-2571616 | Civil Defence: 0191-2549100, 2544920
  • Samba: 01923-241004, 01923-246915
  • Kathua: 01922-238796
  • Poonch: 01965-220258, 9086253188
  • Rajouri: 01962-260207, 01962-260033
  • Udhampur: 01992-270212, 01992-276915
  • Reasi: 01991-245587, 01991-245757
  • Ramban: 01998-29550, 01998-266709
  • Doda: 01996-233530, 234413, 7298923310
  • Kishtwar: 01995-259555, 9482217492

Save these numbers for use in genuine emergencies only.

Final Reminder: Verify Before You Trust

In an age where misinformation can spread within seconds, your first instinct must be to fact-check. Even influencers, unknown Twitter handles, and some media outlets have shared false or manipulated claims recently. Government agencies like PIB Fact Check exist precisely to help citizens cut through noise and fake narratives.

Don’t forward messages unless you’ve verified them. Avoid panic. Trust only reliable sources.

For verified updates, always refer to:
🔗 https://www.pib.gov.in/aboutfactchecke.aspx

Also remember, we are 1.4 billion strong. Let’s protect each other — and let truth lead the way.

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