What if one day you wake up, and while browsing your favourite online store, it suddenly displays “unable to process your order?” Or worse, what if your data has fallen into the wrong hands? What will be your take on this…
With cyber threats evolving at an alarming rate, businesses and governments alike are stepping up their defences to safeguard sensitive data and digital assets, and hence, the fight against cyber intrusions is stronger than ever.
The Burning Issue of Cyber Threats in India
A surge in cyberattacks targeting sectors ranging from healthcare to banking, India’s digital landscape is facing number of cybersecurity threats, emphasising the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures.
The SPARSH portal, which manages defence pensions, suffered a significant data breach that exposed the sensitive information of thousands of personnel. Similarly, BSNL faced a massive breach that compromised over 278 GB of data, including SIM card details and security keys.
Is the Government of India interfering in this serious issue?
The answer is an absolute yes… The Government of India is very much concerned with the present rising scenario of the cybersecurity threats, and to tackle this, the Union Budget 2025 allocated ₹1,900 crore to bolster digital defences, with significant investments in AI, quantum computing, and real-time threat monitoring through CERT-In (Computer Emergency Response Team). The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has been a recent development, enhancing coordination among law enforcement agencies to combat cybercrime effectively.
From the Ministry of Electronics and IT, the Cyber Surakshit Bharat Program prioritises cybersecurity awareness and preparedness among organisations. The Digikawach is another initiative by Google in collaboration with the Indian government to prevent online financial fraud and enhance digital literacy.
At the state level, Karnataka launched its Cyber Security Policy 2024, focusing on awareness, skill development, and public-private partnerships via collaboration with Cisco, to train 40,000 individuals in cybersecurity, emphasising inclusivity by targeting 50% female participation.
Your Role in Cybersecurity: the first line of defence
Securing your device with strong passwords, two-factor authentication should be your priority, and avoid the use of third-party unsecured apps on your devices. Keep yourself regularly updated regarding the fake scams and frauds. If any incident occurs, utilise the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal or call the helpline at 1930 to report.
Remember... being a responsible citizen should be our way of serving our Nation…