The Threat Intelligence Report, which analysed the cyber threat landscape in India over the last six months, attributes the increased attack surface to the rapid adoption of technologies such as electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices
India has become a significant target for hackers, experiencing an average of 2,924 cyberattacks per week on various organizations over the past six months. This figure is twice the global average of 1,464 attacks per week. The healthcare sector has been the most affected, with an average of 6,935 attacks weekly, compared to 1,821 attacks on healthcare organizations globally.
According to Check Point Software Technologies, FakeUpdates is the most common malware in India, alongside other threats such as botnets and a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) named Remcos. The report states that 63 per cent of malicious files in India are delivered via email, while 37 per cent come through the web. Among the malicious files delivered via email, 58 per cent were executable files, whereas 59 per cent of those delivered via the web were PDF files.
The Threat Intelligence Report, which analysed the cyber threat landscape in India over the last six months, attributes the increased attack surface to the rapid adoption of technologies such as electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Following healthcare, the most targeted sectors in India are education and research (6,244 attacks), consulting (3,989 attacks), and government/military (3,618 attacks).
Sundar Balasubramanian, Managing Director for India and SAARC at Check Point Software Technologies, emphasised the risks associated with email: “The simplicity of spoofing email addresses and the capability to deliver weaponised content make email a powerful tool for spreading malware, stealing credentials, and executing social engineering attacks.” He advised users to avoid opening unverified email attachments, use strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and exercise caution with unsolicited or suspicious emails.
Balasubramanian also highlighted the importance of preventive measures: “Regular software updates, employee training, and the deployment of advanced security solutions are essential to mitigate the growing threat landscape.”
This surge in cyberattacks underscores the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures across all sectors in India, especially those rapidly adopting new technologies.
