In a serious breach of cybersecurity, the official website of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) was hacked, displaying the slogan “Pakistan Zindabad” alongside derogatory threats against India and an image of the Indian national flag being burned. The disturbing message was reportedly posted by unknown actors, prompting authorities to immediately take down the website.
This incident comes amid a noticeable spike in cyberattacks following Operation Sindoor, India’s recent military action across the border. Officials suspect the hacking may be part of a coordinated campaign aimed at psychological warfare and public provocation.
In response to the breach, the university has contacted a Delhi-based IT firm to investigate the incident, while the Himachal Pradesh Police’s cybercrime unit has initiated a parallel inquiry. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of State CID (Cyber Crime) Mohit Chawla confirmed the hacking, stating that two cyber commandos would be dispatched to the university for an on-ground assessment. “While no formal complaint has been filed by the university, our teams are already working to trace the origin of the attack,” he emphasized.
Additionally, the state government has issued an advisory to educational and public institutions, urging them to fortify their digital defenses and remain vigilant in the wake of this incident. Cybersecurity experts have cautioned that such attacks are likely to persist, as adversarial actors exploit post-conflict vulnerabilities for disruptive propaganda.
This latest hack marks an urgent call to reinforce India’s cybersecurity posture, particularly within academic and administrative networks, which are increasingly being targeted for their symbolic significance. As concerns grow over the safety of digital infrastructures, stakeholders are urged to take proactive measures to safeguard their online presence against future threats.
