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Panic stems from fake viral messages circulating on WhatsApp and social media claiming a ransomware attack by Pakistan called "Dance of the Hillary".
A wave of cyberattack misinformation has flooded social media and WhatsApp, sparking unnecessary panic amid rising India-Pakistan tensions. The viral message falsely claims that Pakistan has launched a ransomware attack called "Dance of the Hillary", warning users of a nationwide ATM shutdown for 2–3 days and the threat of mobile phones being formatted if a specific video is opened.
However, these claims are entirely baseless and have been officially debunked by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), India’s government fact-checking arm. There is no credible evidence of any such malware or planned disruption of financial services.
This ATM shutdown hoax is the latest in a string of internet rumors debunked by authorities in 2025. The so-called Hillary dance video fake is not linked to any verified cybersecurity threat and is a classic case of viral hoaxes being used to exploit geopolitical tensions and incite fear.
Authorities have stressed the importance of digital hygiene—urging users to avoid forwarding unverified content and instead rely on official channels for updates. In a digital age where false information spreads faster than ever, this incident underscores the need for public awareness, fact-checking, and responsible sharing to prevent panic and protect societal trust.
The 'Dance of the Hillary' hoax serves as a reminder that viral cyberattack rumors can create real-world disruptions, even when unfounded. Staying informed and alert is the first line of defense against such debunked cyber threats.
However, these claims are entirely baseless and have been officially debunked by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), India’s government fact-checking arm. There is no credible evidence of any such malware or planned disruption of financial services.
This ATM shutdown hoax is the latest in a string of internet rumors debunked by authorities in 2025. The so-called Hillary dance video fake is not linked to any verified cybersecurity threat and is a classic case of viral hoaxes being used to exploit geopolitical tensions and incite fear.
Authorities have stressed the importance of digital hygiene—urging users to avoid forwarding unverified content and instead rely on official channels for updates. In a digital age where false information spreads faster than ever, this incident underscores the need for public awareness, fact-checking, and responsible sharing to prevent panic and protect societal trust.
The 'Dance of the Hillary' hoax serves as a reminder that viral cyberattack rumors can create real-world disruptions, even when unfounded. Staying informed and alert is the first line of defense against such debunked cyber threats.
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