 "India blocked 500mn+ cyberattacks in Q1 2024, will see nearly 1 trillion attacks annually by 2033: Report")
India is increasingly at risk from cyberattacks, with the nation projected to face a staggering 1 trillion attacks annually by 2033 and 17 trillion by 2047, according to a new report by Prahar, a non-profit organisation. The report, titled The Invisible Hand, warns that as India rises on the global stage, it is also becoming more vulnerable to sophisticated digital threats.
The growing exposure is not just about hackers aiming for financial gain. The report identifies a more dangerous type of cyberattack – one that targets citizens, manipulating them through platforms such as illegal offshore betting and gambling apps.
These threats, Prahar emphasises, can destabilise the nation from within, turning everyday individuals into tools for cybercriminals and adversaries.
Lost Rs 1,750 crore to cybercriminals in 3 months
Prahar’s report notes that India blocked over 500 million cyberattacks in the first three months of 2024 alone. By the end of the second quarter, cyberattacks in the country had surged by 46 per cent compared to the same period in 2023. These attacks are not just inconveniences; they are taking a heavy toll. Between January and April 2024, more than Rs 1,750 crore was lost to cybercriminals, according to reports from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
Beyond financial losses, Prahar’s findings point to a troubling trend where young people are drawn into illegal online platforms. With some betting platforms operating entirely outside of India’s regulatory frameworks, citizens engaging with these services unknowingly become tools for malicious actors. A closer look at Google searches reveals that interest in illegal gambling platforms is consistently 5 to 15 times higher than searches for legitimate options.
“There are two types of cyberattacks. The first involves traditional hackers who exploit vulnerabilities in systems for financial gain or disruption. The second, more insidious form targets citizens, recruiting them to engage in anti-national activities through manipulation, coercion, or threats. Such tactics are most likely to be used on illegal betting apps. This tactic also resembles approaches deployed in Bangladesh, where adversaries managed to turn ordinary citizens into instruments of destabilization, undermining government institutions from within. India’s security agencies must thoroughly investigate the prevalence of such possibilities,“ says Abhay Mishra, National Convenor & President of Prahar.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe need for offensive cyber strategies
The report calls for a shift in India’s approach to cybersecurity, urging the government to adopt both defensive and offensive strategies. Prahar recommends the creation of a “Super Cyber Force” capable of launching pre-emptive attacks in cyberspace, much like military operations. Experts contributing to the report believe that cyberspace has become a new battleground, and it’s time India moves beyond reactive measures.
Muktesh Chander, a retired Indian Police Service officer with expertise in cybercrime investigation, emphasised the importance of offensive strategies. “Cyber is also a domain of warfare—the fifth domain. A situation has arisen where not only individual hackers or disgruntled people, but also state-sponsored actors and states themselves are engaging in activities that sabotage important parameters of the economy. We have seen this in Estonia, and in various conflicts between different countries. The latest example is the cyber warfare we’ve seen between Ukraine and Russia. We have been monitoring this for a long time,” Chander explained.
The report also warns against blanket bans or heavy restrictions on online platforms, noting that these measures could backfire by pushing users towards black markets and the dark web. Instead, Prahar recommends a “risk minimisation” strategy, similar to those used in Europe, with tools like self-exclusion options, user limits, and community involvement to guide young people away from illegal platforms.
Securing India’s Future
While Prahar recognises that no nation can completely prevent cyberattacks, the report stresses the need for a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy. A key recommendation is consolidating IT infrastructure under a single organisation or ministry to streamline efforts. The non-profit also underlines the importance of educating citizens about the dangers of illegal platforms, arguing that informed users are less likely to fall prey to cyber threats.
The path forward, according to Prahar, lies in combining technical solutions with social responsibility. Instead of restricting digital spaces, India needs to foster legitimate online platforms to keep citizens engaged in positive ways. As the report highlights, only with the right balance of education, regulation, and proactive cyber measures can India stay ahead of evolving threats in the digital age.
With the world watching, the message is clear — India must act now to protect its citizens and secure its place as a global leader, not just economically, but also in cyberspace.
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