The report reveals a significant rise in cyber threats across the country, with over 116,000 incidents reported in 2023, marking a notable increase from previous years
A new report highlights critical cyber security challenges in India, including a shortage of skilled professionals, inadequate infrastructure, regulatory gaps, and a lack of public awareness about best digital practices. The report, prepared by cyber security company Lisianthus Tech, was recently unveiled in Delhi by Amitabh Kant, India’s Sherpa for G20 and former CEO of NITI Aayog.
The report reveals a significant rise in cyber threats across the country, with over 116,000 incidents reported in 2023, marking a notable increase from previous years. High-profile organizations such as AIIMS, HDFC and Axis Banks, Indian Railways, IRCTC, Paytm, Zomato, Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and the National Payments Corporation of India have been among the most affected.
“There is a significant talent gap, with an estimated shortage of one million cybersecurity professionals. Many sectors lack the necessary infrastructure to defend against sophisticated cyberattacks. Rapid technological advancements outpace existing laws and regulations, creating vulnerabilities,” the report ‘Challenges for Cyber Surakshit Bharat’ stated.
The report also pointed out that a general lack of awareness about cyber security best practices among users and organizations worsens these vulnerabilities. It identifies Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups and hacktivists as significant threats to India’s cyber security. Notable groups include APT41 from China, which targets healthcare and telecom sectors, and the Lazarus Group from North Korea, known for attacks on financial and critical infrastructure.
In response to these growing threats, the report suggests enhancing collaboration with international cyber security agencies and improving incident response strategies. “Strengthening international partnerships is vital for addressing cross-border cyber threats,” it emphasized.
The report notes that India’s digital infrastructure is under constant threat from various actors, including cybercriminals, state-sponsored groups, and hackers, who exploit vulnerabilities to launch complex attacks such as ransomware, phishing, and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS).
The urgency for India to adopt a “proactive defense posture” is highlighted, with recommendations to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to anticipate and mitigate cyber threats. “Promoting public-private partnerships is crucial for enhancing our cyber security resilience,” the report stated, adding that these collaborations are essential to developing a robust defense against the increasing sophistication of cyber threats.