India's Cybersecurity Troubles: Rising Threats and Talent Shortage
Cybersecurity challenges in India are mounting due to a shortage of skilled professionals, inadequate infrastructure, regulatory and policy gaps, and a lack of public awareness about best digital practices, according to a recent report.
Escalating Cyber Threats in India
Amitabh Kant, India’s Sherpa for G20 and former CEO of NITI Aayog, recently unveiled a comprehensive report in Delhi, prepared by cyber security solutions company Lisianthus Tech. The report underscores that cyber threats are increasingly prevalent, with over 116,000 cyber security incidents reported in 2023, a significant surge from earlier years. High-profile targets like AIIMS, HDFC and Axis Banks, Indian Railways and IRCTC, Paytm, Zomato, Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and the National Payments Corporation of India have faced considerable cybersecurity challenges.
Talent Gap and Infrastructure Challenges
The report, titled Challenges for Cyber Surakshit Bharat, highlighted a vital issue: the shortage of cybersecurity professionals. The talent gap is alarming, with an estimated deficit of one million experts. Various sectors lack the necessary infrastructure to fend off sophisticated cyberattacks. "Rapid technological advancements are outpacing existing laws and regulations, creating significant vulnerabilities," the report stated. Moreover, a general lack of awareness about cyber security best practices among users and organizations exacerbates these vulnerabilities.
Notable Cyber Threat Actors
The report identified Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups and hacktivists as prominent threats. APT41 from China, targeting healthcare and telecom sectors, and the Lazarus Group from North Korea, known for financial and critical infrastructure attacks, were highlighted as significant concerns.
India's Cybersecurity Response
India's strategy includes enhancing collaboration with international cybersecurity agencies and refining incident response strategies. "Strengthening international partnerships is vital for addressing cross-border cyber threats," the report emphasized. The digital infrastructure of the country faces constant threats from various actors, including cybercriminals, state-sponsored groups, and hackers. These entities exploit vulnerabilities to launch complex attacks such as ransomware, phishing, and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS).
Proactive Defense Posture
The urgency for India to adopt a "proactive defense posture" was underscored, recommending the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to anticipate and mitigate cyber threats. "Promoting public-private partnerships is crucial for enhancing our cybersecurity resilience," the report concluded, signaling that these collaborations are essential in developing a robust defense against the increasing sophistication of cyber threats.
India must act swiftly to fortify its cybersecurity framework, addressing talent shortages, strengthening infrastructure, and raising public awareness to safeguard its digital future.
