Bomb threats disrupt Indian airlines in October 2024 investigation
- A series of bomb threats targeting over 20 flights each from Indian airlines occurred in mid-October 2024.
- The threats were routed through hardware VPNs originating from several European countries, making it difficult for security agencies to trace.
- Authorities face a significant challenge in preventing future threats while ensuring the safety of the aviation sector.
In October 2024, a significant wave of bomb threats targeting airlines and airports in India prompted an extensive investigation by security agencies. Various airlines such as Air India and IndiGo were among those affected, with over 70 threats issued in just one week. The threats employed masked VPNs, complicating efforts to trace their origins, with traffic linked to locations in London, Germany, and France. Authorities revealed that a group potentially inspired by conspiracy theories may be behind the threats, creating an atmosphere of fear and confusion. To tackle these threats, Indian agencies are collaborating with French security officials, and a 17-year-old minor from Chhattisgarh has been arrested for alleged involvement. The complexity of the hackers' operations is attributed to the use of hardware VPNs, which conceal the real IP addresses of involved devices. This anonymity presents a significant challenge for traceability and accountability, raising concerns about potential vulnerabilities in India's cyber defense mechanisms. Officials emphasize the need for a multi-faceted approach, including the monitoring of suspicious data patterns and traffic volume, to identify the perpetrators and prevent future incidents. The stakes are high, as disruptions to the aviation sector have widespread implications for security and public safety. The situation highlights the growing sophistication of cyber threats facing nations and the crucial importance of international cooperation in addressing these emerging security challenges.