Major Cybersecurity Incidents in India (May 2025)
1. Operation Sindoor: Coordinated Cyber Assault
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, during which it faced over 1.5 million cyberattack attempts. Seven Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups, linked to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Middle East, targeted critical infrastructure, including defense, finance, and transportation sectors. The attacks employed malware, phishing, and denial-of-service techniques. Navbharat Times+6@EconomicTimes+6Rediff+6@EconomicTimes+1Rediff+1The Times of India+1@EconomicTimes+1
2. Hybrid Warfare: Drones and Digital Strikes
In a notable instance of hybrid warfare, India countered simultaneous drone incursions and cyberattacks. The digital assaults aimed to disrupt government services and spread misinformation, underscoring the evolving nature of modern conflicts. @EconomicTimes
3. International Cybercrime Syndicate Busted
A joint operation by Bengaluru and Kolkata police led to the arrest of four individuals involved in interstate cyber frauds, including ATM scams and digital arrest schemes. The suspects operated from an apartment in Kolkata, targeting victims across multiple cities. The Times of India
4. Online Scam Leads to ₹5.22 Lakh Loss
A 21-year-old engineering graduate from Rourkela lost ₹5.22 lakh in an online scam while attempting to sell furniture. The fraudster posed as a buyer, extracting sensitive bank details under the pretense of payment issues. The case is under investigation by cyber police. The Times of India
5. Rescue from International Cyber Fraud Operation
A 19-year-old from Hyderabad was lured to Laos with a fake job offer and forced to work in a cyber scam targeting NRIs in the U.S. With assistance from the Indian embassy, he escaped and returned home. Authorities are pursuing the traffickers involved. The Times of India
Visual Insights into India's Cybersecurity Landscape
Malware-Affected States: A map highlighting regions with high malware incidents, including Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat.
Corporate Cyber Risk Priorities: A chart showing that 61% of Indian companies prioritize cyber risks, surpassing global averages.
Financial Impact of Cybercrime: A pie chart depicting projected losses in 2025, with banking and financial services facing the highest impact.
Hacktivist Threats: An illustration representing the rise in hacktivist cyberattacks in India.