Cyber Security in India: India’s cyber police, technology-driven sectors, and the general public face a major challenge as cyber threats evolve. The India Cyber Threat Report 2025, released by the Data Security Council, highlights the rising danger of AI-driven and deepfake-enabled cyberattacks, with healthcare and finance sectors being primary targets.
The report warns that AI will create advanced and personalized phishing scams using deepfakes, making them harder to spot. As India remains one of the most vulnerable countries to cyberattacks, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is actively working on cyber defense measures, according to DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat. He shared this during Techfest, the annual science and technology event at IIT Bombay, which began on Tuesday.
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According to Indianexpress, Dr Kamat said, “India is among the highest attacked countries in the world when it comes to cyberspace. And especially in the military domain, it is going to be a decisive edge.”
Dr Kamat elaborated on the importance of cyber defence, which includes cyber deterrence. “You have to have the capabilities like you have in our strategic nuclear domain. You have to have deterrence capabilities so that people don’t attack, So, both cyber defence and cyber deterrence are going to play a key role. This is especially where young people can contribute significantly,” he said.
Dr. Kamat stressed the need for new approaches to various technologies. The DRDO has set up specialized units in fields like artificial intelligence, quantum technology, smart materials, asymmetric tech, and cognitive sensors, led by scientists under 35.
Indian Cyber Crime Rise
According to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, daily cybercrime complaints reached 7,000 by mid-2024, marking a 114% rise from 2021-2023. According to Newindianexpress, this number is expected to grow in 2025 as criminals adopt advanced techniques, highlighting weak prevention and detection systems.
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Dr. Kamat also noted that India has fewer researchers per million people compared to countries like Singapore and Israel. He emphasized the need to boost research efforts, particularly in defense. To encourage this, the DRDO plans to fund up to Rs 50 crore for industry collaborations, offering startups and small enterprises access to these funds.
IIT Bombay’s three-day Techfest began with a strong lineup of speakers. Alongside lectures, exhibitions showcasing international and in-house innovations continue to attract large audiences, as in previous years.
