As India grapples with heightened geopolitical tensions, singer Ankit Tiwari becomes the latest public figure to face a targeted cyberattack. With fake accounts impersonating him and his team, the incident underscores the vulnerability of celebrities in an era of digital deception and political unrest.
Fake Profiles and Impersonation Spark Panic Online
In a troubling development amid rising geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, acclaimed Bollywood playback singer Ankit Tiwari has found himself at the center of a sophisticated cyberattack. The singer, known for chartbusters like “Galliyan” and “Sun Raha Hai Na Tu”, approached the cyber crime cell this week after discovering multiple fake identities across digital platforms purporting to be him or members of his team.
According to sources close to the investigation, cybercriminals allegedly created convincing social media and messaging profiles to impersonate the singer and his associates. These impersonators reportedly reached out to individuals and entities under false pretenses, potentially paving the way for fraud, misinformation, or reputational damage.
The incident first surfaced when Tiwari’s long-time collaborators and industry acquaintances flagged unusual messages that appeared inconsistent with the singer’s known communication patterns. Realizing the potential risks of identity misuse, especially in today’s climate of mistrust and digital manipulation, Tiwari took to his verified social media channels to sound the alarm.
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Timing Raises Eyebrows: Cyberattack During a Politically Charged Moment
The attack comes at a delicate juncture India and Pakistan are currently navigating a fresh wave of diplomatic strain, with both nations accusing each other of aggressive posturing. Cybersecurity experts say the timing of the impersonation attempt cannot be ignored.
“Celebrities are often soft targets during periods of national unrest,” said a senior cyber analyst, who did not wish to be named. “The aim isn’t always financial. Sometimes it’s about creating confusion, undermining public trust, or even igniting emotional responses. Ankit Tiwari’s case seems to fall into that gray area.”
Such attacks rooted in social engineering are increasingly becoming tools of psychological disruption. Given the singer’s large fanbase and influential digital presence, any message appearing to come from him could easily spark viral reactions or even unrest, depending on the content.
Public Advisory and Cyber Vigilance: Ankit Responds
Responding swiftly, Ankit issued a public advisory warning fans and the general public to trust only his official communication channels. “Please be cautious. Do not engage with any email, call, or message that does not come from my verified handles. We’ve reported this to the cyber crime unit and hope the culprits are brought to justice,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The incident has stirred unease among fans, who expressed concern over the broader implications. “It’s scary how easy it is to misuse someone’s identity today,” one user commented.
Cyber law enforcement officials have initiated a formal investigation. While the perpetrators remain unidentified, officials suggest the attack bears signs of deliberate orchestration—possibly part of a broader campaign targeting high-profile Indian personalities.
A Wake-Up Call for Public Figures in the Digital Age
Ankit Tiwari’s ordeal is just one example in a rising trend of cyber impersonation attacks targeting celebrities, influencers, and political figures. As digital footprints expand, so too does the surface area for malicious actors to exploit.
Cybersecurity professionals urge public figures to adopt stricter digital hygiene two-factor authentication, real-time monitoring of impersonator accounts, and proactive reporting of suspicious activity. Meanwhile, fans and followers are advised to remain skeptical of unexpected communications, even if they appear genuine.