Understanding India’s Cyber Threat Landscape in 2025

From online payments to smart infrastructure, India is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, reshaping daily life for its people. While this growth creates vast opportunities for businesses, it also brings significant risks. Millions of Indians are engaging with digital platforms in ways that weren’t possible just a few years ago, and with this shift comes a greater exposure to cyber threats. Have you, from your leadership roles, considered how these changes might expose your business to new vulnerabilities? Cyber attacks are no longer a question of ‘if’ but ‘when.’ It is important to be well prepared to protect businesses and data from emerging threats.

In 2024, India saw a fourfold increase in cyber fraud, leading to losses of around $20 million. Despite the growth in digital tools and security technology, cyber security awareness remains low. Did you know that only 4% of businesses in India have strong cyber security measures in place, while over half are still in the early stages of securing their systems? Worse still, many incidents go unreported due to fear of reputational damage or simply not knowing how to report them.

As leaders, you must acknowledge that while India’s digital landscape is full of potential, it is also rife with risks. With millions of new internet users and sectors increasingly relying on digital infrastructure, cyber criminals are becoming more sophisticated and targeted. The rise in cyber fraud, data breaches, and other attacks in 2024 highlights the urgent need for stronger defenses. As risks grow more complex, it is important to shift from merely responding to threats to proactively preparing for them.

Major Cyber Threats and Incidents in India 2024

In 2024, India witnessed a surge in cyber attacks that targeted a variety of sectors, from financial services to healthcare, government, and even private individuals. Among the most prominent threats were:

• Ransomware attacks: Ransomware attacks were the most significant threat in India in 2024, affecting numerous sectors. In particular, India’s financial services sector experienced severe disruptions to business operations, with several high-profile organizations falling victim. The Motilal Oswal Financial Services breach, targeted by LockBit ransomware, was one such notable attack, where data was encrypted, causing significant financial and operational setbacks. According to a report from SOCRadar, the manufacturing sector saw 30.14% of ransomware incidents in India in 2024, with LockBit being the most active ransomware group, responsible for 61.8% of such attacks.
• Phishing attacks: Phishing attacks continued to be a major concern in India, especially in sectors involving financial transactions and personal data. Cyber criminals used deceptive emails, fake websites, and social media impersonations to steal sensitive information. The healthcare and financial services sectors were particularly targeted in 2024. One notable example was the phishing campaign targeting customers of ICICI Bank, where cyber criminals impersonated bank officials to gain access to personal banking information. The CloudSEK Report revealed that phishing attempts in India rose by 175% in 2024, with a large number of attacks targeting the financial sector.
• Data breaches: Data breaches were widespread in 2024, with many organizations suffering leaks of sensitive information, including personal, financial, and medical data. BSNL, India’s largest telecom provider, experienced a massive data breach where IMSI numbers and SIM card details were exposed, putting millions of customers at risk. Similarly, Angel One, a major financial services firm, suffered a breach that exposed the personal and financial details of 7.9 million customers. These incidents raised concerns about data protection and the lack of robust security measures in place for many organizations.
• Digital arrest scams: Digital arrest scams were a significant new threat in 2024. Cyber criminals impersonated law enforcement officials, claiming that victims were involved in illegal activities and threatening arrest unless they paid a fine. These scams were particularly prevalent in urban areas like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, where scammers targeted individuals using phone calls, text messages, and emails. In many cases, victims were forced into making payments through digital platforms. As per The Economic Times, till mid-Nov 2024, more than 90,000 cases of digital arrest frauds were reported across India, with the amount stolen being estimated at over ₹2,000 crore. The central government issued alerts in 2024 and continues to urge citizens to stay vigilant against digital arrest frauds.
• Deepfake and AI-driven attacks: With the rise of artificial intelligence, cyber criminals began using deepfake technology to create fake videos and audio recordings, impersonating trusted individuals like CEOs or government officials to carry out fraud. These attacks were particularly dangerous because they exploited the trust people had in these individuals, making the scams harder to detect. A notable example in 2024 was the deepfake-based phishing attack on a prominent CEO of a tech firm, where a convincing fake video was used to trick an employee into transferring funds. The use of deepfakes during India’s 2024 General Elections, including the creation of fake videos of deceased politicians endorsing candidates, highlighted the alarming scale of AI-driven manipulation, demonstrating how easily trust can be undermined and the integrity of democratic processes can be compromised.

What is Shaping the Cyber Threat Landscape in 2025?

As we progress through 2025, several cyber threats have become prominent in India. AI-powered attacks are escalating, with cyber criminals using AI to automate and scale their attacks, making detection harder. Deepfake technology and voice cloning have led to scams where fraudsters impersonate trusted figures, deceiving businesses and individuals. Cyber fraud remains a major concern, with phishing, fake job offers, and payment scams becoming more frequent and sophisticated. Digital arrest scams continue to exploit victims’ fears, claiming they’re under investigation unless they pay a fine. These evolving threats underscore the need for stronger defenses, leading us to explore what’s shaping India’s cyber threat landscape in 2025.

The Indian cyber threat landscape in 2025 will be influenced by a combination of technological advancements, digital transformation, and evolving attack strategies:

• Technological advancements: The rapid adoption of AI, machine learning, and automation will continue to empower both defenders and attackers. As cyber criminals use AI to automate attacks, we can expect AI-powered malware and bots to become more sophisticated, making traditional security measures increasingly ineffective. Deepfake technology and AI-generated content are already being used to target critical sectors like BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance), and we can anticipate a rise in these attacks in 2025. Leaders must prepare for these emerging threats, as the technology will only continue to advance.
• Geopolitical tensions and state-sponsored attacks: With ongoing geopolitical tensions, India is expected to remain a significant target for state-sponsored cyber attacks, particularly from neighboring countries. These attacks are increasingly being used as part of strategic operations, and we can expect them to become more frequent and sophisticated in 2025. Organizations, especially in critical sectors, should prepare for potential cyber espionage and cyber warfare as part of the geopolitical landscape.
• Digital transformation of critical sectors: The digitalization of critical sectors like healthcare, government services, and banking will continue to expose these industries to greater cyber risks. While these transformations enhance operational efficiency, they also create more vulnerabilities, especially as legacy systems remain in use. As digital reliance grows, the frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks targeting these sectors are expected to rise. Business leaders must prioritize securing digital infrastructure to prevent disruptions in service and protect sensitive data, ensuring the continuity of business operations.
• Regulatory gaps: Despite significant efforts, such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act), India will continue to face regulatory gaps in 2025. Many businesses are still working to align with evolving cyber security laws and frameworks. These gaps create vulnerabilities, making organizations susceptible to regulatory fines and reputational damage. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, leaders must ensure full compliance with emerging regulations and take proactive steps to close these gaps in their cyber security strategies.

Shaping a Secure Digital India

As India surges forward in its digital journey, the landscape we operate in is shifting rapidly. The opportunities are vast, but they come with risks that grow more complex and sophisticated by the day. As leaders of organizations, it’s not just about keeping up with the pace of change—it’s about staying ahead of the curve, anticipating threats, and taking decisive action to safeguard your business and the trust your customers place in you.

India’s cyber security challenges are not distant or hypothetical; they are here, and they are evolving. The risks to your business are real, and the need for stronger, more proactive security measures has never been more pressing. This is the time for leadership—not just in driving digital growth, but in securing the very foundation upon which that growth is built.