'Mujhse Friendship Karoge'? Suspicious profiles try befriending paramilitary forces
What's the story
According to reports, there has been an increase in the number of friend requests (over social-media platforms) received by officers in paramilitary forces in the past 2-3 years. The cell, keeping track of social media activities of paramilitary forces, believes most of these 'fake' profiles are managed by Pakistani and Chinese handlers. Here are the details.
Yes, really!
Pak, Chinese agents pose as 'women scholars' to become friends
According to the cell, these agents pose as 'women scholars' and target Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF). The troopers who post their personal details online or those who have pictures in uniform are usually targeted. They have now been asked to be careful while using platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Vkontakte, Qzone, Google+, LinkedIn.
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What do these strangers say?
Reportedly, one of the messages read, "I am a student from China now my major is international relationship. I have to finish an essay about Indo-China border police. Is it convenient for you to offer me any stories about their daily life?" (sic)
Details here
Better safe than sorry: Why are officials concerned
Subimal Bhattacharjee, a cyber policy adviser, said these activities seem like a 'surveillance exercise'. The main motive of these chats is to learn about the size of the company posted in sensitive areas, troop movements, and details of ammunition used. Bhattacharjee added that the threat is real and despite instructions, some officers post details online. Another official said a greater vigil is required.
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The intent is obviously questionable, says senior BSF official
Speaking on the increased number of friend requests, a senior official said, "We can't say for sure whether the profiles are handled by Pakistani or Chinese nationals but without a doubt, there is a malafide intent beneath all this."