New Delhi, September 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is increasingly relying on psychologists to identify and exploit officials with access to sensitive information as part of honey-trap operations, according to Indian intelligence officials.
The officials said the emerging method moves beyond conventional tactics involving money or intimidation, instead focusing on the personal vulnerabilities of potential targets. Psychologists allegedly operating for the ISI create social media profiles using female identities and identify officials who appear vulnerable based on their online activity.
An Intelligence Bureau official said the operatives closely study the messages and posts shared by potential targets to assess their state of mind, personal difficulties and vulnerabilities. Once a target is identified, they initiate conversations and maintain a sympathetic approach to gradually build trust.
According to the official, the process can continue for two to three months before the operative attempts to persuade the target to install applications on their computer or other systems.
Indian officials said some of these applications have been found to contain spyware or malware of Chinese origin, potentially enabling sensitive data to be extracted through digital communication channels.
The officials said the networks increasingly focus on individuals who use social media to express personal frustrations or problems. Such behaviour can provide information that helps operatives understand and exploit their targets, they said.
In recent cases, intelligence agencies have found that exploiting personal vulnerabilities, combined with intimacy and attraction, has proved effective in compromising officials possessing sensitive information, according to the officials.
The growing involvement of psychologists in such networks has raised concern among Indian security agencies, particularly because officials continue to fall victim despite repeated advisories and warnings.
Officials said some compromised individuals ultimately install data-leaking software or malware on their systems and transmit sensitive information before realising the nature of the operation.
The reported increase in the use of psychologists reflects a shift towards a more calculated, psychologically driven approach in honey-trap operations, officials said.
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