Two Arrested For Hacking Websites, Posting Anti-India Message In Gujarat
In a significant operation against cyber-terrorism, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested two individuals, including a minor, for allegedly hacking Indian websites and posting anti-India messages online. The arrests were made during Operation Sindoor, a crackdown on hackers targeting Indian websites, officials said on Tuesday.
The accused include a minor boy and another individual identified as Jaseem Shahnawaz Ansari, a resident of Nadiad in Kheda district of Gujarat. Both were running a Telegram channel where they shared proof of their hacking activities, according to officials.
"We often receive information about such cyber-attacks," said DIG Sunil Joshi of the ATS. "During the operation, we found that anti-national elements were actively trying to bring down Indian websites." The investigation revealed that Ansari and the minor had been using a Telegram channel called 'AnonSec' to share their hacking activities.
The phones of both suspects were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for examination, which revealed that they had earlier created two other Telegram channels named 'EXPLOITXSEC' and 'ELITEXPLOIT' - a backup channel. These channels were later renamed to 'AnonSec', with the intention of maintaining their hacking activities in case their primary channel was taken down.
"They made the backup channel because if their channel is taken down for some reason, they can continue their activity through the backup channel," DIG Joshi explained. Despite not having completed Class 12, both Ansari and the minor reportedly became highly skilled in hacking and cyber activities within just six to eight months.
Apart from hacking websites, they were also found posting messages against India, according to DIG Joshi. An FIR has been filed in connection with the case, and further investigation is ongoing, he added.
The Rise of Cyber-Terrorism
The rise of cyber-terrorism poses a significant threat to national security, as it allows individuals to disrupt critical infrastructure and spread anti-national messages without being physically present. The Gujarat ATS has shown its commitment to tackling this issue by conducting Operation Sindoor and arresting those responsible for hacking Indian websites.
The Role of Telegram
Telegram has emerged as a popular platform for hackers and cyber-terrorists to share their activities and communicate with other members of the cyber-terrorism community. The app's end-to-end encryption features make it difficult for law enforcement agencies to track down suspects, but platforms like Telegram are working to develop tools that can help identify and disrupt these activities.
Conclusion
The arrests of Ansari and the minor serve as a reminder of the importance of taking cyber-terrorism seriously. As technology continues to advance, it is essential for law enforcement agencies to stay ahead of the curve and develop strategies to tackle this growing threat. The Gujarat ATS has demonstrated its commitment to protecting national security, and we hope that other agencies will follow suit.