Chinese state-sponsored malicious actors launched “probing cyberattacks” on Indian electricity distribution centers near Ladakh thrice since December 2021. On Wednesday a report by private intelligence firm Recorded Future confirmed the attack. 

The hackers targeted seven Indian state centers responsible for carrying out electrical dispatch and grid control near a border area contested by the two nuclear neighbors, the report added. This attack came to light while the military standoff between the two countries in the region had already deteriorated the relationship. However, the government sources affirmed that the attacks were not successful. 

''In recent months, we observed likely network intrusions targeting at least seven Indian State Load Despatch Centres (SLDCs) responsible for carrying out real-time operations for grid control and electricity dispatch within these respective states. Notably, this targeting has been geographically concentrated, with the identified SLDCs located in North India, in proximity to the disputed India-China border in Ladakh," the group said. 

The hackers employed the trojan ShadowPad, which the experts claimed has been developed by contractors for China's Ministry of State Security, thereby concluding  that it was a state-sponsored hacking effort. 

"In addition to the targeting of power grid assets, we also identified the compromise of a national emergency response system and the Indian subsidiary of a multinational logistics company by the same threat activity group," Recorded Future said.