The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has made significant arrests in a cyber terrorism case. On April 22, two individuals were detained in Nadiad for their alleged involvement in cyber attacks against Indian government websites. The main suspect, Jasim Ansari, is an 18-year-old resident of Nadiad. Along with a minor, he is accused of targeting various government platforms, including the Aadhaar card portal.
This operation comes on the heels of increased vigilance following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian authorities are on high alert for any signs of espionage and cyber threats. The arrests were part of a larger initiative by the ATS, dubbed ‘Operation Sindoor’, aimed at neutralising potential threats.
According to ATS sources, Jasim and his accomplice learned hacking through online resources like YouTube. Despite their limited education, they managed to execute sophisticated cyber attacks. They are believed to have attempted to disrupt nearly 50 government websites over the last six months. Their activities escalated after the Indian Army’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, which they viewed unfavourably.
The suspects employed a method known as Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. This technique floods a website with excessive traffic, rendering it inaccessible to legitimate users. Reports indicate that the duo posted screenshots of their successful attacks on a Telegram group called ‘Anonsec’, accompanied by messages that showed their anti-India sentiments.
One of their messages read, “Hi India, we just took down your financial shield and servers.” This indicates their intent to cause harm to India’s digital infrastructure. The ATS is currently investigating whether any sensitive data was accessed or shared with entities in Pakistan.
The arrests of Jasim and the minor highlight a growing trend of online radicalisation among youth. Officials believe that both individuals were influenced by anti-national groups and sought to disrupt the functioning of government services.
As the investigation continues, the ATS is focusing on uncovering the full scope of the cyber network involved in these attacks. This incident raises concerns about the security of India’s digital assets and the potential for further cyber-related threats in the future. The Gujarat ATS remains committed to tackling such threats and ensuring the safety and security of digital platforms in the country.
In summary, the arrest of Jasim Ansari and his accomplice showcases the persistent threat of cyber terrorism in India. It also highlights the need for increased awareness and preventive measures against online radicalisation. As investigations unfold, the authorities aim to prevent any further disruptions to India’s digital infrastructure and maintain national security.
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