In a serious breach of cybersecurity, the official website of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) was hacked on Monday, 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.
The 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.
The university has contacted a Delhi-based IT firm to investigate the breach, while the Himachal Pradesh Police’s cybercrime unit has initiated a parallel probe. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of State CID (Cyber Crime) Mohit Chawla confirmed the hacking and stated that two cyber commandos will 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 said.
The state government has issued an advisory to educational and public institutions to strengthen digital defences and remain alert. Cybersecurity experts have noted that such incidents are likely to continue, as adversarial actors exploit post-conflict vulnerabilities for disruptive propaganda.
This latest hack signals an urgent need to reinforce India’s cybersecurity posture, particularly in academic and administrative networks, which are increasingly being targeted for symbolic value.
