‘Dance of the Hillary’ Virus: Pakistan-Backed Cyber Attack Targets Indians, Spreads via WhatsApp, Telegram and Social Media
‘Dance of the Hillary’ Virus: Pakistan-Backed Cyber Attack Targets Indians, Spreads via WhatsApp, Telegram and Social Media
Cyber offensive launched amid military conflict; government issues high alert for malware threats on WhatsApp, email, and social media
As India continues its precision military operations against terror hubs in Pakistan, a new threat has emerged in the form of a cyber attack campaign, allegedly launched by Pakistan-backed entities targeting Indian citizens online.
Indian intelligence agencies have issued an urgent national cyber alert warning users to stay cautious of a malware called “Dance of the Hillary”, being distributed via social media apps, email, WhatsApp, and Telegram. This malware is engineered to steal personal and financial data by infiltrating mobile phones and computers.
How the ‘Dance of the Hillary’ Virus Works:
- The virus spreads through video files or attachments, especially those with suspicious names or “.exe” extensions like
tasksche.exe. - Once activated, the malware can cripple your device and grant remote access to sensitive information like bank login details, passwords, and documents.
- The attack appears designed to cause internal chaos and collect data during a time of heightened military tension between the two countries.
What You Should Do:
- Do not open unknown attachments or click on suspicious links, especially from unfamiliar sources.
- Be extra cautious on WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, and email.
- Ensure your anti-virus and operating systems are up to date.
- Report any suspicious messages or files to CERT-In (India’s Cyber Emergency Response Team) or local cybercrime units.
This cyber threat coincides with India’s ongoing retaliatory strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan, including strikes in Islamabad and other major cities. Following the damage, Pakistan is said to have imposed a nationwide lockdown and now appears to be using digital warfare as a retaliatory tool.
Authorities have assured the public that surveillance and containment measures are active, but public vigilance is key. Sharing or forwarding unverified information could assist in the attack’s effectiveness and spread.
Stay alert, stay secure cyber safety is national safety right now.
