Hackers vs Cyber Experts: The invisible battle behind BRICS Summit 2026 (Img: X)
New Delhi: When world leaders gather in Delhi for the BRICS Summit 2026, the security challenge is not limited to roads, hotels and summit venues. A different battle is also taking place silently in cyberspace, where hackers, cybercriminal groups and misinformation networks remain a potential threat.
Ahead of the high-profile global event, Delhi Police has issued a cyber security advisory for government officials and contractual IT personnel, warning them about phishing attacks, malware infections, remote-access threats and fake information campaigns.
The advisory highlights how modern security operations have changed. While security forces protect leaders and venues on the ground, cyber teams are working behind the scenes to safeguard government systems, confidential information and digital communication channels.
The move comes as India prepares to host several international leaders, diplomats and officials during the BRICS Summit, increasing the need for stronger digital protection against cyber threats.
International summits involving multiple countries often attract attention not only from governments and media but also from cyber attackers looking for opportunities to exploit digital networks.
The BRICS Summit brings together some of the world’s largest economies, creating a huge exchange of information between government departments, security agencies and diplomatic teams.
Cyber attackers often use such events to spread fake emails, create misleading websites, steal login details or circulate false information aimed at creating confusion. Security agencies believe that a successful cyber attack during a major diplomatic event could have serious consequences, from data theft to disruption of official communication systems.
The Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of Delhi Police has issued detailed guidelines to strengthen cyber protection during the summit. The advisory focuses on preventing unauthorised access, protecting sensitive files and ensuring that official networks remain secure.
Government employees and IT personnel handling digital systems have been advised to follow strict cyber safety practices while accessing official devices, emails and online platforms. The aim is to reduce the possibility of hackers gaining entry into government systems through weak passwords, malicious links or unsecured devices.
One of the biggest concerns highlighted by Delhi Police is phishing. Cybercriminals often create fake messages that appear genuine and use current events, urgent updates or attractive offers to trick users into clicking harmful links. Officials have been warned against opening suspicious links received through emails, SMS, social media platforms or messaging applications.
The advisory also warns against shortened URLs, as these are frequently used by attackers to hide malicious websites designed to steal information or install malware. Employees have been instructed to immediately report suspicious emails, unusual activities or possible security breaches.
To reduce cyber risks, Delhi Police has advised officials to strengthen their account security. Employees have been asked to use complex passwords containing a combination of letters, numbers and special characters. Regular password changes and multi-factor authentication have also been recommended.
Officials have been warned against using the same password for multiple accounts or storing passwords in unsafe locations such as unsecured files or browser storage. These basic security measures are considered important in preventing unauthorised access to official accounts.
The cyber advisory places major emphasis on protecting confidential information linked to government operations. Officials have been advised to encrypt important documents before sending them electronically and use secure methods for transferring sensitive files.
Government information should not be stored on personal devices or unauthorised cloud platforms, as such practices can increase the risk of data leaks. Security agencies have recommended password-protected archives and authorised encryption tools for safe data sharing.
Delhi Police has also raised concerns over malware attacks through unsafe applications and external devices. Officials have been advised not to install unauthorised software or use unknown USB drives and external storage devices on government computers.
The advisory also cautions against third-party remote access tools, which hackers often misuse to gain control of systems without permission. The use of unsupported operating systems, unauthorised VPN services and unsafe digital platforms has also been discouraged.
The cyber security operation is not only focused on protecting computers and networks. Delhi Police’s cyber intelligence teams are also monitoring online platforms to identify misinformation campaigns, fake news and suspicious digital activities.
Authorities believe that false information spread through social media can create confusion during a major international event involving multiple countries. Preventing misinformation has now become an important part of national security planning.
The cyber advisory is part of Delhi’s wider security arrangements for the BRICS Summit 2026. Along with physical security measures involving police personnel, specialised forces and surveillance systems, cyber experts are working to protect India’s digital infrastructure.
Multiple agencies are coordinating efforts to ensure that the summit remains secure from both physical and online threats. The development reflects a new reality of global security where protecting a major event requires not only armed personnel but also digital defence teams monitoring threats in cyberspace.
As world leaders arrive in Delhi for the BRICS Summit, cyber security teams gear up to maintain continuous monitoring of government networks, online platforms and communication systems. Officials are following strict security protocols to prevent cyber incidents during the summit.
The BRICS Summit 2026 has highlighted a growing challenge for governments worldwide. In today’s digital era, a cyber attack can be as serious as a physical security threat.
