New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) The Intelligence Bureau has uncovered plans by Pakistan's ISI to initiate a series of cyber attacks targeted at vital Indian infrastructure. According to officials, the primary goal of these attacks is to incapacitate essential facilities related to defence and financial institutions. Recent meetings among ISI officials indicate a systematic approach to execute these assaults.

The ISI is mobilizing its Pakistan Cyber Force to implement these cyber operations. An Intelligence Bureau source noted a notable increase in ISI activities, with various groups being activated for this purpose.

An evaluation by Indian security agencies projected that in 2026, the most significant threat would stem from cyberattacks executed by hackers predominantly linked to Pakistan. Reports suggest that Pakistani intelligence is utilizing groups like Cyber Group HOAX1337 and National Cyber Crew to target Indian resources. These organizations have a history of such operations.

According to another official, the ISI-backed groups are primarily focused on jeopardizing India's defence sector, aiming to disrupt systems and extract sensitive data.

The ISI has also deployed its espionage units to collect critical information, particularly targeting the defence sector. Additionally, they have infiltrated India with operatives tasked with gathering sensitive data related to railway stations. The Ghaziabad police revealed that these individuals had even installed solar-powered CCTV cameras to relay live feeds back to their controllers in Pakistan.

Another official elaborated that the ISI's strategy involves a dual approach to undermine Indian assets. The hacker groups are set to specifically disrupt the defence sector, while concurrently, a disinformation campaign is underway. With multiple state elections occurring this month, the timing is ripe for these deceptive tactics, as officials note.

Moreover, the frequency of hoax calls is expected to rise. The ongoing turmoil due to the Middle East conflict has triggered flight disruptions and soaring prices of oil and other commodities. The operatives have been instructed to spread misinformation regarding oil and LPG prices, inciting panic among Indian consumers, potentially leading to panic buying and increased black market activity.

The Indian government is actively working to clarify and fact-check the misleading information propagated by Pakistan-based social media accounts.

Furthermore, agencies have issued warnings about hoax messages that could target critical sectors like education and aviation, which could easily induce panic. The ISI appears particularly focused on these areas.

Ultimately, the defence sector remains the top priority for these hackers. The ISI and Pakistan are intent on amassing as much information as they can about India's defence capabilities, investing heavily in these operations. A 2019 assessment by Indian agencies revealed that the ISI allocated a staggering Rs 3,000 crore annually for hacking, espionage, and honey-trapping efforts.

Additionally, the ISI has been disseminating fake news about India through mainstream media outlets in Pakistan. Social media accounts linked to the ISI are directed to circulate such information widely to construct a negative narrative against India, according to an official.