Explainer | Inside the misinformation tsunami around India-Pakistan cyber threats

In the aftermath of the recent India-Pakistan tensions, a different kind of digital war has emerged—one driven not by malicious code, but by misinformation. Social media platforms, encrypted messaging apps, and even police handles have become channels for viral hoaxes, spreading fear and confusion among millions.

At the centre of this storm is a fabricated threat known as “Dance of the Hillary”—a supposed piece of Pakistani malware that experts say does not exist.

How a fake virus went viral

It began with a typical WhatsApp forward: alarmist…