Rise in Cyberattacks After Pahalgam Terror Incident

Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India witnessed a sudden surge in cyberattacks. These included Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which aim to overload or crash servers and networks by flooding them with fake traffic. In response, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued an alert to critical sectors such as banking and national infrastructure. The alert urged organizations to review their cybersecurity posture and take immediate steps to strengthen their digital systems. The coordinated timing of these attacks suggests an attempt to exploit national distress and distract authorities from real-world threats.

Understanding DoS and DDoS Attacks

DoS attacks are attempts to make a computer or network unavailable by flooding it with traffic from a single source. DDoS attacks are more dangerous because they use multiple systems, often part of a botnet, to overwhelm the target from different locations. These attacks can temporarily bring down websites or services, causing inconvenience or even serious operational delays. For example, in April 2023, Anonymous Sudan targeted Indian airports and hospitals through DDoS attacks, which led to temporary shutdowns of their websites and affected operations. These incidents underline how easily online systems can be disrupted by attackers without even entering the country.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks. This includes using updated software, firewalls, antivirus tools, and strong passwords. Cybersecurity also involves training employees and users to identify suspicious activities like phishing emails. As India moves towards more digital services, especially in areas like health, banking, and governance, ensuring cybersecurity is more important than ever. Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue—it’s also about behavior, awareness, and response readiness at every level, from individual users to large corporations.

Why Is India a Target?

India is one of the most targeted countries in the world for cyberattacks. Its large population and growing digital economy make it an attractive target. According to a report by Acronis, 34% of Indian companies suffered cyberattacks in 2022. Another report by CloudSEK found that India faced the highest number of cyberattacks in the Asia-Pacific region. Even government websites are not spared—many have faced defacement or shutdowns by foreign hacker groups. Additionally, geopolitical tensions with countries like China and Pakistan often translate into digital skirmishes, further escalating the scale and frequency of such attacks.

Link Between Terror and Cyber Attacks

Cyberattacks often follow physical attacks like terrorism. Hackers use these opportunities to spread fear or target critical infrastructure. This form of hybrid warfare has become common globally. For instance, after the 2021 Israeli-Palestinian clashes, there was a sharp rise in cyberattacks from both sides. Similarly, the Russia-Ukraine war has also seen a digital battlefield, where both nations use cyber tools to attack communication systems, power grids, and public services. These examples highlight the need for India to recognize cyber warfare as a key component of modern national security planning.

The Growing Threat of Cyber Terrorism

Cyber terrorism involves using computers and the internet to cause large-scale disruption or fear, often for political or ideological goals. This is not just about stealing data—it can involve shutting down essential services, attacking infrastructure, or spreading harmful propaganda. Terrorist groups are increasingly using encrypted messaging, online donations through cryptocurrencies, and dark web platforms to operate. Their digital footprint is harder to trace, making prevention more difficult for security agencies. Moreover, many of these groups train young hackers and exploit social media to spread radical ideologies and recruit supporters.

Government Steps to Strengthen Cybersecurity

The Indian government has taken multiple steps to fight cyber threats. In 2023, a Digital India Bill was proposed to replace the old IT Act of 2000. This bill is expected to bring stronger regulations and enforcement powers. CERT-In also issued new guidelines requiring companies to report cyber incidents within six hours and maintain secure logs for 180 days. The Reserve Bank of India has released frameworks for cybersecurity in banks and payment systems. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Power has prepared guidelines to secure the electricity grid from possible cyberattacks. Cyber drills are also being conducted in collaboration with private agencies to test real-time response preparedness.

Need for a Comprehensive Cyber Policy

Despite these efforts, India still lacks a dedicated and updated national cyber security policy. The old policy was framed in 2013, and the new one has been pending since 2020. In today’s world, where cyber threats are growing rapidly and becoming more advanced, India needs a well-defined policy that includes private companies, startups, and critical sectors. It should also promote cyber hygiene among the general public. Capacity building, research incentives, and global cooperation should also be part of the broader strategy to stay ahead of evolving threats.

Global Practices India Can Learn From

Several countries have taken strong steps to improve their cybersecurity. The United States has created a separate agency—the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)—to protect key systems. Israel, known as a global cyber powerhouse, has integrated its cyber defense with national security and supports many startups in this field. India could consider creating a dedicated Cyber Command within its armed forces, and encourage ethical hacking and skill-building at the school and college level. Public-private partnerships are crucial in this field, as innovation in cybersecurity often emerges from startups and academia.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is now as important as physical security. With more people using the internet for banking, healthcare, and daily needs, the risk of cyberattacks is higher than ever. Recent incidents show how digital threats can be used alongside traditional attacks to create confusion and fear. India must act quickly to build a strong cybersecurity framework, supported by modern laws, updated policies, and trained professionals. Protecting the digital space is no longer optional—it is essential for national security. A secure digital ecosystem is also necessary for India’s global ambitions in digital governance, fintech, and AI-driven services.

Blogs