India’s Cybersecurity Crisis: AI Arms Race and Skill Shortage | Image Source: bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com
NEW DELHI, India, April 8, 2025 – As India’s digital transformation progresses – was driven by a booming Internet economy, the rapid adoption of the cloud and increased digitization in all sectors, a darker reality emerged in its passage: an alarming increase in cyber threats. From attacks with Ransomware as a service and with AI to digital slavery and phishing scams, the country’s cybersecurity ecosystem is tested as never before.
Why does India see the explosive growth of cyber threats?
India’s massive population and Internet user base make it a major target for cyber criminals. According to Rajesh Chabra, Managing Director of Acronis India & South Asia, the digital leap in the country was both a blessing and a vulnerability. It attributes the 90% growth of Acronis in India to the same environment, in which the demand for integrated cybersecurity has been triggered.
“We are seeing a shift from fragmented and outdated tools to platforms that combine detection of AI-related threats, data protection and compliance,” Shabra told TimesTech. In his view, this integrated approach is essential both for SMEs and for large companies that travel through increasingly complex IT infrastructures.
What makes MBS in India particularly vulnerable?
Unlike large enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises often have limited resources and safety knowledge. This makes it easy targets for ransomware bands and supply chain attacks. Its growing dependence on hybrid computing environments – which generate public clouds, private networks and basic systems – only expands the attack surface.
According to Chabra, the greatest risk lies in the silenced security infrastructure. “The disconnected tools lead to alert fatigue and gaps in coverage,” he explained. Acronis addresses this with a unique platform that offers backup, AI-based cybersecurity, disaster recovery and parameter protection, all in a native way.
How does AI change the game for hackers and defenders?
Artificial intelligence is not only a buzz word in cybersecurity, it is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, cyber criminals benefit from the CEW for more precise and scalable attacks. Think of the deepest, automated phishing and detection of zero-day exploits. On the other hand, defenders fight fire, using AI to detect real-time anomalies, automatic threat response and predictive analysis.
According to Bizz Buzz, retired commander KK Chaudhary warns that “criminals now form organized international unions. They are ahead of us by exploiting both the technology and the gaps in the global judicial system. »
In response, organizations like Acronis integrated machine learning on their platforms to keep a step forward. Its systems analyze large volumes of security data, identify subtle models and automate response protocols, tasks that were previously dependent on human intervention.
The AI Bridge Gap Cyber Security Skills in India?
With India in need of more than 1.5 million cybersecurity professionals, raw talent is one of the country’s most pressing digital challenges. But here’s the turn: these are not just numbers. As the Express Computer report points out, the most important issue is preparation. Many IT graduates have no practical experience of modern threats, and traditional programs do not emphasize cybersecurity as a core discipline.
Chabra indicates AI and automation as force multipliers. “IA reduces the cognitive burden of analysts by automating routine tasks, such as file monitoring and threat hunting, so that humans can focus on complex threat scenarios,” he said.
To fill this gap, Acronis invests in training through its Acronis Academy and its MPS Academy. These platforms offer practical training in e-hygiene, incident response and final defense, especially for underserved markets and remote SMEs.
What role do governments and the police play?
Indian police forces also accept the tools of the next generation. The Department of Cybercrime Research, headed by Director General MA Saleem, uses AI to map risk profiles by age and region. For example:
- Young adults (20s): Targeted for card fraud and job scams
- Professionals (30s-40s): Vulnerable to investment scams and ransomware
- Senior citizens (50+): Often duped by digital arrest scams
Saleem revealed that artificial intelligence-based predictions help prevent crimes before they occur. “We analyzed the data profiles to predict which area is at risk and then implemented targeted awareness campaigns,” he explained in an interview with Bangalore Mirror.
What are the human costs of cybercrime?
Beyond the monetary loss, the psychological impact of cybercrime is immense. A frightening example is the recent case in which 540 Indians, mostly aged 20 to 30, were trafficked to Malaysia on the pretext of lucrative work abroad. Once there, they were forced into cyber fraud operations.
Saleem described it as a case of “slavery of citrus”: a horrible example of how cybercrime networks become rings of transnational crime. This angle of human trafficking shows how cyber criminals infiltrate economic and social systems.
Are current awareness campaigns working?
Not quite. Commander Chaudhary believes he lacks commitment and relevance. “Reactive posters and monotonous voice messages don’t work,” he said. “We need learning, interactive applications and the participation of primary school students. »
He advocated the creation of “children with knowledge” who could serve as ambassadors for digital security in their homes. This Community approach could be more effective than generic awareness-raising. “Children have access to all social strata: the elderly, the home and their partners. They can be powerful agents of change,” he said.
Where’s the cyber insurance?
While attention is being paid, cyber insurance in India is still in its childhood. High premiums, vague clauses and poor resolution of claims are fundamental barriers to adoption. According to Chaudhary, “Only large companies can pay for this right now. SMEs continue to be excluded due to lack of regulatory support and digital testing standards. »
As cyber attacks become more harmful, the demand for safe, accessible and reliable products will increase. But without regulatory reform and public confidence, penetration will remain low.
What can individuals do to protect them?
It often comes back to controlling emotions: fear, greed and vanity. Many attacks do not succeed because of technical sophistication, but by manipulating fundamental human instincts. Chaudhary offers simple but powerful advice:
- Don’t act out of panic. Verify threats before reacting.
- Never share personal information in exchange for rewards.
- Think before clicking: Is the offer too good to be true?
- Discuss strange online interactions with family or friends before taking action.
“Health security begins with consciousness. Your personal data is more valuable than you think: keep them as your welcome keys,” he said.
Cybersecurity is no longer a back-office function – it is a front-line defence against economic losses, human exploitation and even geopolitical threats. In this AI-led arms race, India’s ability to protect its digital border will depend not only on smart technology, but also on smart people.
Winning this battle, collaboration between governments, businesses, educators and citizens is not negotiable. Tools exist. The emergency is real. It’s time to act.
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