A concerning cyberattack has recently surfaced in India, where Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIO) are targeting school students by posing as teachers. These operatives are employing calls and WhatsApp messages to establish contact with innocent children, using phone numbers 8617321715 and 9622262167 for their communications.
The attackers’ modus operandi involves disguising themselves as school teachers to gain the trust of children and then trick them into sharing sensitive information, including One Time Passwords (OTPs), to join WhatsApp groups. To make their deception more convincing, the attackers often refer to someone known to the children, making it seem like a legitimate interaction. They then proceed to invite the students to join other groups, supposedly new class groups, where they request OTPs for access.
Beyond obtaining OTPs, the attackers further inquire about personal details like their father’s occupation, school routines, and timings. They even ask questions about the students’ uniforms and the names of their teachers, creating an illusion of familiarity.
Authorities have taken note of this alarming situation and issued warnings along with safety measures. Schools and colleges are advised to sensitize both teachers and students about this issue. To safeguard against potential attacks, existing groups should be dissolved or deleted, and new ones should be created with caution.
It is essential to remain vigilant, as the list of numbers used by the attackers may not be exhaustive. They might adopt new phone numbers and modify their tactics to continue their operations. Staying alert and informed is crucial to protect oneself and loved ones from falling victim to this new form of cyberattack.
Parents, teachers, and students must work together to educate themselves about these deceptive tactics and ensure the safety of school children in the digital realm. By spreading awareness and staying cautious, we can collectively thwart the attempts of malicious actors and protect our young generation from potential harm.
