While it is generally the incidents in the US and Europe that tend to get the maximum exposure, cyber-attacks are occurring with increasing frequency in all parts of the world. From the use of ransomware to increasing numbers of data breaches, India is no exception. This is why the need to increase protection from these, and other threats, was highlighted in a paper that management consultants PWC put forward for the country in 2019.

More robust measures

As well as covering the new privacy and data protection measures that the Personal Data Protection Bill are bringing about, attention was also directed to the measures that will be needed in the country as the influence of the Internet of Things begins to become more widespread.

The need for more robust measures to be taken are underlined not just by the number of ransomware attacks that are reported to be taking place, but the occurrence of DDoS attacks too.

In the case of the former, it’s recently been reported that between May 2019 and April 2020 82% of Indian companies were hit, an increase of 15% on the previous year’s figure. On average they had to pay Rs 80 million ($1 million) to have the ransomware removed as well as to mitigate its effects. One of the highest-profile businesses to be hit has been the finance company Indiabulls who, in June 2020, paid a ransom of an unknown amount.

Industries already focused on security

Happily, not all industries have been affected so badly. In online gaming, the most reputable operators have very strong security measures in place to protect their customers. You can discover more about some of the leading names on comparison websites. Not only do these show the joining bonuses and other incentives that they offer, but they also provide a simple, secure link to the sites themselves plus detailed information on the security of each one.

DDoS attacks

These also pose a significant risk to Indian companies in many sectors. A particular threat is thought to be posed by official Chinese sources seeking to disrupt businesses and the Indian economy in general. Fortunately, many of these attacks are now being identified and neutralized before any harm is caused. There is also concern that apps including Zoom, Tik Tok, UC Browser, Shareit, Xender and Clean Master are all posing an additional threat to data security and this has led to Zoom being forbidden for use by government officials.

Another vital reason why increased cybersecurity awareness is needed in India is that the majority of the world’s DDoS attacks have been found to originate in the country. Symantec, who carried out the research, found that 26% of all attacks came from the sub-continent compared with 17% from the United States.

But it seems the country is gaining far greater awareness of the need to bring its practices well into the 21st century – for which businesses and individuals alike will surely be very grateful indeed.

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