Security Agencies Grapple with Hoax Bomb Threats Amid Rising Challenges

Security agencies in India are struggling to trace the origins of recent hoax bomb threats, despite extensive efforts and cyber expertise. The use of VPNs and European IP addresses have thwarted investigations, while intensified security measures are implemented at airports amid ongoing threats and government advisories.

In an ongoing struggle against a wave of hoax bomb threats, security agencies in India have hit a wall in their attempts to trace the perpetrators, as efforts remain stymied by the use of VPNs and elusive IP addresses originating from Europe.

A senior official noted that multiple teams, alongside cyber experts, have yet to make a breakthrough in the investigation. Efforts have reached an impasse, with confirmation that VPN technology has obscured the true origins of the threats. Authorities are collaborating with social media platforms for further insights into accounts involved in disseminating the threats.

The initial probe suggested the emergence of threats from European countries, yet attempts to track IP addresses proved fruitless. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has responded with intensified security protocols, deploying a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) team at major airports to bolster safety.

Following a meeting with social media representatives, the official stated that security has been heightened at sensitive airports due to the festival rush. Despite receiving over 400 hoax threats in two weeks, disruptions have been minimal, with only eight flights diverted so far.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued an advisory on October 26, urging social media platforms to curb hoax threats. The advisory highlights intermediaries' responsibilities under the IT Act 2000 and associated regulations, emphasizing the swift removal of unlawful content to ensure public order and national security.

(With inputs from agencies.)