In a concerning revelation, cybersecurity firm Check Point has reported a significant surge in cyber attack cases in India, with a notable increase of 15% per week on average throughout 2023. The findings position India as the second-most targeted nation in the Asia-Pacific region, following Taiwan, which experienced 3,050 incidents per week.
India’s Cybersecurity Landscape: Key Insights
- The average number of weekly cyber attacks per organisation in India reached 2,138, reflecting a substantial 15% rise from the previous year.
- Globally, organisations faced an average of 1,158 weekly cyber attacks, indicating a modest 1% increase from 2022.
- Within the Asia-Pacific region, India witnessed the second-highest surge in attacks at 15%, following Korea’s 21% increase since 2022.
Regional Trends and Highlights:
- The Asia-Pacific region led with the highest average number of weekly attacks, totaling 1,930 attacks per organisation, marking a 3% increase from the previous year.
- Africa experienced a notable 12% year-on-year increase, reaching an average of 1,900 attacks per organisation.
Sector-Specific Changes in Attack Patterns:
- The education and research sector, previously a prime target, witnessed a 12% decrease in attacks but remained at the top of the list for the highest volume of cyber attacks.
- The retail and wholesale sectors faced a significant 22% increase, indicating a shift in attacker focus.
- The healthcare sector experienced a 3% increase in attacks, raising concerns due to the critical nature of its services.
The report sheds light on evolving trends in cyber attacks, showcasing not only the increased frequency but also shifts in targeting across various sectors. As organisations grapple with heightened cybersecurity challenges, the need for robust defense mechanisms and heightened awareness becomes paramount.
Impact on India’s Cybersecurity Landscape: The surge in cyber attacks highlights the growing sophistication of threat actors and their ability to adapt to changing circumstances. With India emerging as a prominent target, organisations need to prioritize cybersecurity measures, including regular assessments, employee training, and the implementation of advanced threat detection technologies.
As the nation grapples with the escalating cyber threat landscape, collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors become crucial to fortify the nation’s digital defenses.
