Cyber ​​attacks targeting India's critical infrastructure including OT, energy systems, IT networks, and IoT devices by Pakistan

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Cyber ​​attacks targeting India's critical infrastructure including OT, energy systems, IT networks, and IoT devices by Pakistan


In May 2025, a significant escalation in cyberattacks attributed to Pakistan-based actors targeted India's critical infrastructure, encompassing OT, energy systems, IT networks, and IoT devices. These attacks coincided with heightened geopolitical tensions following the April 22 Pahalgam terror incident and India's subsequent military response, Operation Sindoor.

Overview of the Cyber Offensive

The cyber onslaught, dubbed "Operation Bunyān al-Marsūs," reportedly aimed to disrupt India's core infrastructure. While some claims, such as the crippling of 70% of India's power grid, were later debunked by the Press Information Bureau as misinformation , there were confirmed disruptions across various sectors:

  • Energy Sector: Ten SCADA systems within India's energy infrastructure were compromised, affecting control systems and potentially destabilizing power generation and distribution networks.

  • Web Infrastructure: Approximately 1,744 web servers were reportedly destroyed, leading to significant data loss in both public and private sectors.

  • Government Portals: Thirteen major government websites, including those of the Crime Research Investigation Agency and the Unique Identification Authority of India, were defaced.

  • Transportation and Utilities: Indian Railways' ICT infrastructure faced disruptions, and services for Delhi Gas Discom and Kashmir Electric Discom were affected.

Key Threat Actors and Tactics

APT36 (Transparent Tribe)

This Pakistan-based Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group intensified its activities, employing the Crimson RAT malware to target Indian defense networks. The group exploited the emotional aftermath of the Pahalgam attack to deliver phishing emails, aiming to breach sensitive systems.

Hacktivist Groups

Multiple Pakistan-linked hacktivist entities claimed responsibility for over 100 cyberattacks on Indian government, educational, and critical infrastructure websites.

Recap: The cyberattacks in May 2025 underscore the evolving nature of cyber warfare, where state-sponsored and hacktivist groups exploit geopolitical tensions to target critical infrastructure. The incidents highlight the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures, cross-sector collaboration, and public awareness to safeguard national digital assets.



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