The war may have shifted from borders to browsers, but the damage is just as real. After facing defeat in direct military conflict, Pakistan has turned to a darker, more hidden battlefield: the internet. This cyber attack strategy is now targeting Indian citizens through WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, and other digital platforms.
It all started with bloodshed in the hills of Kashmir.
The Pahalgam Terror Attack: When Peace Was Broken
In April 2025, peace was disrupted in Jammu and Kashmir when terrorists attacked brutally near Pahalgam. 2025 Pahalgam attack : The assailants, reportedly supported by Pakistan-based terror outfits, attacked tourists, killing more than 20+ innocent individuals, the majority of whom were Hindus. What stunned the nation even further was that one of the victims was a local Muslim individual, a Shia, who attempted to save others.
Many are saying this shows something more profound: in Pakistan, which is Sunni-majority, Shia Muslims are treated as second-class citizens. The man died not only for being courageous, but perhaps also for being a Shia who refused to carry out orders to kill.
India’s Strong Military Response
India did not remain quiet. The government responded promptly on multiple fronts:
- Water Control: India terminated the Indus Waters Treaty, halting water supply to Pakistan.
- Airstrikes: Indian military fired missiles against terrorist camps within Pakistan.
- Diplomatic Steps: Pakistani diplomats were recalled, and stringent measures were imposed on the border.
While these steps were powerful, Pakistan didn’t stop there — instead, it opened a new front: digital warfare.
Failed on Land, Fighting Online: Pakistan’s Cyber Attack on India
Cyber Attack: Pakistan’s New Weapon Against India
Not being able to match India in the military sense, Pakistan resorted to cyber attacks as a last ditch option. These are unseen, unheard, and strike at individuals where they sense security — on their phones.
Here’s how the cyber attack unfolded:
- WhatsApp Messages: Fake news, violent videos, and hateful propaganda started flooding Indian WhatsApp groups. Many of these messages were designed to spark religious hatred or fear.
- Unknown Calls: Indian users began receiving suspicious phone calls from international or private numbers. Some calls aimed to steal data or record conversations.
- Telegram Channels: Pro-Pakistani channels spread misinformation about India’s military, religion, and political stability.
These digital attacks aim to divide Indian society, create panic, and damage India’s image worldwide — all without using a single bullet.
Religious Angle: Shia, Sunni & The Misused Narrative
In the Pahalgam attack, only one Muslim perished, a Shia — the same group frequently targeted in Sunni-majority Pakistan. It needs to be noted that terror does not discriminate based on religion. The perpetrators attacked out of hatred, not religion. This point becomes even more significant as Pakistan attempts to employ religious narratives online in its cyber attack campaigns to mislead Indian Muslims.
What Should You Do to Stay Safe?
With your smartphone, everybody becomes a candidate to be a target in this covert war. However, you can take it upon yourself to protect yourself. This is how:
1. Never Pick Up Random Calls
Pakistan’s cyber policy involves soliciting individuals to steal information. If a number seems suspicious, don’t pick up. Employ caller ID programs such as Truecaller to find out who’s calling.
2. Switch Off Location Sharing
Applications such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Google Maps share your location. Switch this off when not required, particularly during national security threats.
3. Be Careful What You Click
Avoid clicking on suspicious links in messages or Telegram groups. They can install malware and provide hackers with access to your information.
4. Use Apps Encrypted End-to-End Only
Make sure your messaging apps are encrypted well. WhatsApp has end-to-end encryption, but be sure to update the app and review your privacy settings.
5. Report Suspicious Content
If you notice hate speech or propaganda, report it. Quick reporting is usually available on most sites such as Facebook and Telegram.
Cyber Attack Is the New Battlefield
Today’s wars are more than guns and bombs. They’re also about information, fear, and technology. A cyber attack can destroy as much as a conventional attack by polarizing people, creating chaos, and pilfering secrets.
Pakistan’s inability to succeed on the battlefield has forced it into this cyber war zone. But India has to be equally as tough online as on terra firma.
Final Thoughts: Stay United, Stay Aware
In this new kind of war, every Indian is a soldier. You don’t need a uniform or a gun — just awareness and responsibility. Whether you’re using WhatsApp, Facebook, or Telegram, understand that your digital actions matter.
The cyber attack from across the border may not come with a warning siren, but it’s just as real. The only way to win is to stay informed, stay united, and not fall for the enemy’s digital traps. For more deep insights like this, stay tuned with Digital Broo where the real story lives.