ISIS Targets Female Employees in MNCs to Damage India's Business Sector

Security agencies in India have launched a large-scale operation to monitor over 350 female employees working in sensitive security roles at major multinational corporations (MNCs). These women are reportedly being targeted by international terrorist organizations, including ISIS, with the goal of exploiting them for future attacks and disruptions.

According to sources familiar with the matter, a banned terror group based in Kerala, with ties to Shaheen Bagh in Delhi, has been actively approaching these women, often posing as potential employers or colleagues. They have even taken up residence near the targeted women's homes in an attempt to establish closer contact and gain their trust.

This concerning development has prompted authorities to closely monitor the targeted women, many of whom are employed in Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal. Investigations are also underway into their family backgrounds, with agencies seeking support from family members to deter the women from falling prey to radicalization.

ISIS's Motives and Tactics​

ISIS is believed to have initially targeted the Indian diaspora in West Asia, who then identified vulnerable female professionals back in India as potential recruits. By exploiting these women, ISIS aims to cause significant operational disruptions within MNCs, which could negatively impact consumer interests and tarnish India's reputation.

This is not the first instance of ISIS attempting to recruit individuals with technical expertise. A recent case involving a Kashmiri couple, both highly educated professionals, who were convicted for joining ISIS, underscores the group's evolving recruitment strategies.

Government Response and Protective Measures​

Security agencies are utilizing both technical and human surveillance methods to monitor potential ISIS recruits and sympathizers. They are also working to raise awareness about the threat among MNCs and their employees.

To further protect female employees, companies are advised to:

• Foster a culture of security awareness among all employees
• Encourage employees to report any suspicious activity
• Provide training on identifying and avoiding social engineering attacks
• Review and strengthen security procedures to safeguard employees from targeted recruitment

The targeting of female employees in India by ISIS highlights the evolving nature of the terrorist threat and the need for continued vigilance from both security agencies and private companies.

By working together to raise awareness, strengthen security measures, and disrupt recruitment efforts, India can effectively counter this threat and protect its citizens.