SocialMediaSecurity – BPR&D Issues Fresh Advisory to Counter Honey Traps
SocialMediaSecurity – The Bureau of Police Research and Development has rolled out new safeguards to prevent honey-trap and online espionage threats targeting police and security forces.
The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) has circulated a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures aimed at shielding police and security personnel from suspected honey-trapping efforts allegedly linked to intelligence operatives backed by Pakistan. The advisory underscores growing concerns about digital espionage and the misuse of social media platforms to gather sensitive information from officials.
Warning Against Online Identity Disclosure
In its communication to units nationwide, the BPR&D cautioned officers against sharing any details related to their official roles, assignments, or departmental affiliations on social networking sites. According to senior officials, hostile actors are increasingly building convincing fake profiles to approach security personnel, gradually earning their trust before attempting to extract confidential operational data.
The advisory notes that even seemingly harmless posts or casual online conversations can be pieced together to reveal patterns, locations, or sensitive institutional information. Personnel have therefore been instructed to exercise extreme discretion in all online interactions.
Stricter Controls on Social Media Use
Under the newly issued guidelines, officers are encouraged to limit their social media activity and ensure that personal accounts remain visible only to verified and trusted contacts. Accepting friend or connection requests from unknown individuals has been strongly discouraged.
The SOPs further direct personnel not to connect their personal and official profiles under any circumstances. Social media platforms must not be used for official communication or operational discussions. Officials emphasized that professional matters should remain confined to secure and approved channels.
Emphasis on Cyber Hygiene Practices
Beyond behavioral precautions, the advisory outlines essential cyber safety measures. Officers are urged to use strong and unique passwords for each account, activate two-factor authentication, and routinely review privacy settings to minimize exposure.
The guidelines also warn against clicking on suspicious links, downloading unfamiliar applications, or opening unsolicited attachments. Such digital traps, officials noted, are frequently used to compromise devices and gain unauthorized access to classified information. Immediate deletion of questionable messages and reporting of suspicious activity have been recommended as preventive steps.
Social Media Platforms Under Scrutiny
The BPR&D advisory highlights that platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, and LinkedIn are being used to target personnel. Fake accounts often pose as journalists, academic researchers, defence analysts, or retired officers to initiate professional conversations.
In several reported instances, display photographs of young women have been used to build personal rapport with security staff. These interactions may gradually shift toward private exchanges aimed at eliciting sensitive details — a tactic widely associated with honey-trapping operations.
Protocol for Suspected Compromise
The SOPs also lay out procedures to be followed if there is suspicion that an officer has been compromised. These measures include the prompt seizure of digital devices to preserve electronic evidence and coordinated questioning in consultation with the Intelligence Bureau and state-level counter-intelligence units.
Officials indicated that swift action is essential to prevent further information leakage and to assess the extent of any potential breach.
Background of Earlier Espionage Cases
The advisory comes in the backdrop of previous espionage-related incidents. In 2018, an engineer associated with BrahMos Aerospace was arrested on allegations of sharing sensitive technical data with a Pakistani operative. In another case in 2020, multiple Indian Navy personnel were detained in connection with an espionage network reportedly facilitated through social media.
More recently, reports in early 2026 suggested similar attempts, including an alleged case in Rajasthan involving the cross-border transfer of sensitive information. Authorities believe these incidents reflect evolving strategies by hostile intelligence agencies seeking to exploit digital platforms.
The latest guidelines signal a renewed push to strengthen internal security practices and enhance awareness among personnel about the risks posed by online manipulation. Officials maintain that heightened vigilance and disciplined digital conduct remain critical to safeguarding national security.