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India has achieved a significant milestone in cybersecurity by attaining Tier 1 status in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024. However, this success has also led to an increase in the sophistication of cybercriminals.
Organizations are leveraging AI and machine learning to detect and respond to emerging threats. Meanwhile, adversaries are utilizing AI-enhanced attacks, including attempts to manipulate AI models with incorrect data to evade threat detection systems. This highlights the need for AI-driven security and security measures to protect AI systems.
To maintain optimal cybersecurity in this dynamic environment, enterprises must adopt a comprehensive security strategy. The following seven priorities should be considered for 2025.
Establish a robust cybersecurity foundation
Although new types of cyberattacks are constantly emerging, the fundamental principles of securing technology remain unchanged. It is essential to have a recovery plan in place and to educate employees about the latest cyber threats and how to respond to them.
Cybersecurity is not just about having a skilled security team and the latest technology. Cybercriminals often target employees, attempting to trick them into granting access to secure systems. Regular training and security awareness programs are crucial to educate employees on identifying and responding to the latest threats.
Ideally, all data breaches should be prevented before they occur. However, it is essential to develop cyber resilience to ensure that the organization can continue to function during an incident and recover quickly thereafter.
Strengthen cloud security
If cloud computing is being used to support growth and enable meaningful customer and employee engagement, then ensuring the security of the cloud environment is paramount.
The best approach to achieving this is by creating a robust cloud security framework, adopting a zero-trust security model, and investing in advanced security solutions, such as cloud access security brokers, cloud-native application protection platforms, content disarm and reconstruction, and application security posture management.
Consolidate security assets
Securing the cloud is just the beginning. It is also essential to secure devices at the edge, on the network, and in the cloud without creating security sprawl.
The success of secure access service edge (SASE) in securing both the network and cloud suggests that a consolidated approach to protecting the technology landscape will yield the best results. A comprehensive security strategy connects security measures, tools, and training to close security gaps.
Adhere to laws and protect data privacy
Governments are enforcing legislation aimed at safeguarding citizens’ data. India introduced the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in August 2023 to regulate the storage and processing of digital personal information, with severe consequences for non-compliance.
Organizations face a penalty of up to ₹250 crore ($28.9 million) if violations lead to data breaches, and the cost of losing customer trust can be even higher.
To mitigate these risks, organizations are utilizing encryption, anonymization, and other privacy-enhancing technologies to protect sensitive data.
Prepare for ransomware and cyberextortion
A ransomware attack is a nightmare scenario for any organization, and the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 shows an increase in the number of ransomware attacks targeting various sectors in India.
Cybercriminals often present a choice: pay the ransom and recover your systems or refuse and lose your data. However, paying the ransom does not guarantee that you will recover your data. It is better to have a plan in place and follow your incident response strategy.
For this strategy to be effective, your plan must consider the latest threats and align with company policies. You also need secure, up-to-date backups of your data, as cyberattacks are much less effective when you can recover from an attack while it’s happening.
Solutions like endpoint detection and response (EDR) and extended detection and response (XDR) protect against ransomware.
Secure the supply chain
YOUR security strategy should secure the organizational data that companies in your supply chain access and consider the risks associated with using software developed by other organizations.
Thoroughly assess the security of vendors and partners to establish if they meet your standards and regulatory requirements. Create and maintain a software bill of materials to track components, their licenses, and their vulnerabilities. This will help security teams quickly identify security and license risks.
Prepare for emerging threats and technologies
Quantum computing is still in its developmental stages, but it has the potential to decode the encryption methods currently considered secure. This development threatens everything that relies on strong encryption, such as data protection and communications.
Protect against new codebreaking methods by implementing a plan to update your infrastructure so it can support new encryption methods like post-quantum cryptography. These new algorithms protect against current threats and can resist quantum attacks.
IoT devices are becoming increasingly popular, ranging from personal devices like smart TVs to industrial CCTV cameras and sensors. They are also becoming common targets for cyberattacks. Protect your operational technology (OT) environment with robust security measures tailored to IoT devices.
To thrive in 2025 and continue growing with confidence, Indian organizations must adopt a holistic approach to cybersecurity, prioritizing strategies that build on strong foundations to meet emerging challenges.
