Operation CyberShakti: Indian Hackers Claim Massive Cyberattacks on Pakistani Government Websites

Amid escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, a parallel conflict is unfolding in cyberspace, with Indian vigilante hackers reportedly launching extensive cyberattacks against critical Pakistani government and military websites under the banner “Operation CyberShakti.”

What is Operation CyberShakti?

Operation CyberShakti is a self-proclaimed cyber offensive allegedly carried out by a group of Indian vigilante hackers. They claim responsibility for significant disruption and defacement of Pakistani government, defence, and public infrastructure websites as part of an ongoing cyberwarfare campaign amid the India-Pakistan military conflict.

What types of cyberattacks have the hackers carried out?

The hackers behind Operation CyberShakti claim involvement in:

Website Defacements: Over 700 Pakistani government and public infrastructure websites reportedly rendered inaccessible or defaced.

Data Breaches: Allegedly gaining unauthorised access to sensitive databases, including Pakistan’s military engineering services, prison information systems, and banking transaction data.

Surveillance Disruptions: Claims of compromising over 1,000 CCTV systems within Pakistan.

These cyberattacks utilised advanced methods, including spear-phishing, data breaches, and targeted digital disruptions.

How credible are these claims by Operation CyberShakti?

Independent verification by multiple international observers has confirmed that many Pakistani websites targeted by Operation CyberShakti were indeed inaccessible from locations within India and abroad (including the United States and Singapore). While the scale and details of data breaches are difficult to independently confirm, the group’s claims regarding significant website disruptions have been largely substantiated.

Why did Operation CyberShakti launch these attacks?

Operation CyberShakti emerged as a direct response to escalating cyber hostility initiated by Pakistani hacker groups such as “Pakistan Cyber Force.” Following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, Pakistani hackers reportedly breached sensitive Indian defence-related websites, compromising credentials and personal information of military personnel.

In retaliation, Operation CyberShakti claimed responsibility for the comprehensive attacks against Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.

What specific Pakistani targets have Operation CyberShakti hackers claimed to breach?

According to public statements from the hacker group, targets include:

• Pakistan’s prison management systems, compromising prisoner data.

• Database of Pakistan’s Military Engineering Services.

• Information systems related to Pakistan’s oldest power plant.

• Banking transaction data and critical infrastructure websites.

Are there concerns over the escalation of cyber warfare?

Yes. Experts express serious concern over the rapid escalation of cyberattacks between India and Pakistan. The scale and sophistication of these digital attacks highlight a broader trend towards increased cyber conflict accompanying conventional military tensions. There are fears that such cyber engagements could spiral into more severe disruptions affecting critical infrastructure.

What further actions have the hackers behind Operation CyberShakti threatened?

The hackers have explicitly warned online that the recent attacks constitute just the initial phase of their campaign. They have indicated readiness and intent to launch more extensive cyberattacks against Pakistani digital assets in subsequent phases, further intensifying concerns over cyber warfare escalation.