India witnessed a significant number of web-borne threats in 2024, with nearly 1 in every 3 internet users (28.8%) being targeted. According to data collected and processed by a cybersecurity network, a total of 44,372,823 internet-borne cyberthreats were detected on users’ computers between January and December last year.
This cybersecurity network is a complex, distributed infrastructure designed to process vast amounts of cybersecurity-related data from millions of voluntary participants worldwide. The data is gathered from users who have installed cybersecurity software on their devices and have opted to share information. By leveraging a combination of expert analysis, Big Data, and Machine Learning, the network provides comprehensive insights into the cyberthreat landscape in a given region.
The cyberthreat landscape in India demonstrated a gradual improvement in 2024 compared to the previous year. There was a notable 5% decrease in the number of web-borne threat incidents in 2024 compared to 2023. In 2023, 33.6% of users were attacked by web-borne threats between January and December, with 62,574,546 different internet-borne cyberthreats detected during the same period.
While the number of detected cyberthreats may have decreased, the threat landscape continues to evolve. Reports indicate that attacks via browsers remain a primary method for spreading malicious programs. File-less malware persists as a particularly dangerous type of cyberthreat due to its elusive nature, making it challenging to detect and counteract. Social engineering attacks, including phishing, ransomware, and AI-driven threats, were also prevalent in 2024.
The observed improvement in India’s cyberthreat scenario can be attributed to increased awareness of cyber threats and the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures by both organizations and individuals. On a global scale, India’s ranking has shifted from 72nd in 2023 to 76th in 2024.
According to Jaydeep Singh, General Manager for the India Region, “The decrease in threat incidents should not lead to complacency regarding cybersecurity. With AI tools being utilized to generate malware and launch phishing attacks, companies and users must remain vigilant. Cybercriminals are adopting a ‘quantity over quality’ approach, focusing on fewer but more targeted attacks.”
“In 2025, we anticipate seeing more AI-assisted attacks, as well as disruptions to critical infrastructure. To combat these threats effectively, it is crucial to pre-empt risks and counter attacks by adopting cyber immune strategies,” he adds.
Recommended Cyber Safety Measures
For Individual Users:
- Avoid downloading and installing applications from untrusted sources.
- Refrain from clicking on links from unknown sources or suspicious online advertisements.
- Always utilize two-factor authentication when available.
- Create strong and unique passwords by combining lower-case and upper-case letters, numbers, and punctuation. Consider using a reliable password manager to keep track of them.
- Install updates as soon as they become available, as they often include fixes for critical security issues.
- Ignore messages that instruct you to disable security systems for office or cybersecurity software.
- Use a robust security solution suitable for your system type and devices.
For Organizations:
- Ensure all software is updated on all devices to prevent attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities.
- Avoid exposing remote desktop services (such as RDP) to public networks unless absolutely necessary, and always use strong passwords for them.
- Implement advanced cybersecurity solutions for comprehensive visibility across endpoints, automate routine security tasks, and detect and neutralize complex threats.
- Stay informed with the latest Threat Intelligence to be aware of the tactics used by threat actors.
- Regularly back up corporate data, ensuring backups are isolated from the network and easily accessible in case of an emergency.
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