‘Dance Of Hillary' To ‘Calls From Military': Pak Targets Indian Journalists, Security Personnel

News18

12-05-2025

Last Updated:
Agencies, police in border states have issued alerts about a campaign by Pakistani spies targeting Indian journalists and forces personnel through calls and malware attacks
While the India-Pakistan conflict may have reached ceasefire, Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) continue their attacks.
Security agencies and police in border states have issued multiple alerts warning about an ongoing campaign by PIOs targeting Indian journalists and forces personnel through deceptive phone calls and malware attacks.
THE MALWARE
The Punjab Police Cyber Crime Wing has flagged a malware code-named 'Dance of the Hillary', being spread via WhatsApp, Facebook, and email. The advisory warns that clicking on suspicious links could lead to the theft of personal data, including bank information, passwords, and sensitive personal credentials.
'Do not engage with or open any unsolicited messages or links," the advisory reads, adding that the malware is believed to be operated from across the border and tailored for cyberespionage.
PHONE CALLS FROM PAK SPIES
In a separate intelligence note, authorities have revealed that Pakistani intelligence officers have been making phone calls posing as Indian military officials, attempting to extract information about military movements, sensitive deployments, and high-security installations. These calls have reportedly targeted both security forces personnel and journalists under the guise of requesting 'routine verification" or information updates.
In cases that emerged on Monday, Pakistani handlers impersonating defence personnel during ongoing internal security operations such as 'Operation Sindoor' called journalists covering national security. Multiple journalists received calls from Pakistan-based numbers.
'DO NOT FALL FOR SUCH ATTEMPTS'
Since 2021, such psychological operations have intensified.
'It has come to the notice that Pakistan Intelligence officers are trying to contact force personnel for getting information about the movement, deployment of senior officers and forces-related information like highly sensitive deployment, vital installations etc., by making phone calls, mobile phones introducing themselves as officers of own/other forces. Calls have been made to control rooms. All personnel are instructed not to share anything without verifying credentials," one input says.
Indian agencies are urging all to remain vigilant and report any suspicious communication attempts. 'Please DO NOT fall for such attempts. The intention is to exploit trust and gather critical information that could threaten national security," the alert emphasised.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police, Punjab Police and central cyber agencies have issued advisories regarding the same. Citizens are being advised to ignore and immediately report such calls to cybercrime helplines or local law enforcement.
First Published:
May 12, 2025, 17:15 IST