In a recent revelation by Kaspersky, a global leader in cybersecurity and digital privacy, it was found that nearly 1 in 3 (28.8%) Indian internet users were targeted by web-borne threats in 2024. This alarming statistic highlights the persistent risks in the digital space, even as the country shows signs of improvement in its cybersecurity posture.
Key Findings from Kaspersky’s 2024 Report
- 44.3 Million Cyber Threats Detected: Between January and December 2024, Kaspersky products identified 44,372,823 internet-borne cyber threats targeting Indian users.
- 5% Decline in Attacks: Compared to 2023, there was a 5% drop in web-borne threat incidents, indicating a gradual improvement in India’s cyber threat landscape.
- Global Ranking Slips: Despite the improvement, India’s global cybersecurity ranking fell from 72nd in 2023 to 76th in 2024, suggesting that other nations are making faster progress in securing their digital ecosystems.
The data was collected through the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN), a sophisticated infrastructure that processes cybersecurity-related data from millions of voluntary participants worldwide. KSN leverages Big Data, Machine Learning, and expert analysis to provide a comprehensive view of the cyber threat landscape in specific regions.
Evolving Threat Landscape: What’s New in 2024?
While the overall number of cyber threats has decreased, the nature of these threats continues to evolve, becoming more sophisticated and targeted. Here are some key trends observed in 2024:
- Browser-Based Attacks Remain Dominant: Malicious programs are still primarily spread through browsers, making them a critical vulnerability for users.
- Rise of File-less Malware: This type of malware, which operates without leaving traces on the system, remains one of the most dangerous threats due to its difficulty in detection and mitigation.
- Social Engineering on the Rise: Phishing, ransomware, and AI-driven threats were prominent in 2024, with cybercriminals leveraging advanced tools to deceive users.
- AI-Assisted Attacks: The use of AI to generate malware and orchestrate phishing campaigns has become a growing concern, enabling attackers to execute more targeted and effective schemes.
Jaydeep Singh, General Manager for the India Region at Kaspersky, emphasized, “The decrease in threat incidents does not mean one should get complacent about cybersecurity. With AI tools being used to generate malware or unleash phishing attacks, companies and users need to be vigilant about cybersecurity. Cybercriminals are now working in a “quantity over quality” scheme, lesser but more targeted attacks.”
What’s Driving the Improvement?
The 5% decline in cyber threats in India can be attributed to increased awareness and the adoption of robust cybersecurity measures by both individuals and organizations. Kaspersky has been actively involved in promoting cyber safety through partnerships with agencies and educational institutions. Initiatives like the **Kaspersky Next solutions** for businesses and awareness campaigns for individual users have played a significant role in this improvement.
Kaspersky’s Recommendations for Cyber Safety
To combat the evolving threat landscape, Kaspersky’s security experts have shared actionable recommendations for both individual users and organizations.
For Individual Users:
- Avoid downloading applications from untrusted sources.
- Refrain from clicking on links from unknown sources or suspicious ads.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
- Create strong, unique passwords using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Use a reliable password manager to store them securely.
- Regularly install software updates to patch critical security vulnerabilities.
- Ignore messages asking to disable security systems.
- Use robust security solutions like **Kaspersky Premium** to protect your devices.
For Organizations:
- Keep all software updated to prevent attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities.
- Avoid exposing remote desktop services (e.g., RDP) to public networks unless absolutely necessary.
- Use advanced solutions like **Kaspersky NEXT EDR Expert** for comprehensive endpoint visibility and threat neutralization.
- Stay informed about the latest **Threat Intelligence** to understand emerging tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by cybercriminals.
- Regularly back up corporate data and ensure backups are isolated from the network for quick recovery in emergencies.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2025?
Kaspersky predicts that AI-assisted attacks will become more prevalent in 2025, alongside potential disruptions to critical infrastructure. To counter these threats, the company plans to continue developing pre-emptive solutions and promoting cyber-immune strategies for users and businesses alike.
Jaydeep Singh added, “Throughout 2024, Kaspersky has been very active in creating awareness about cyber safety by partnering with various agencies and educational institutions in India. We developed campaigns to promote cybersecurity solutions to individual users and introduced Kaspersky Next solutions for businesses in India. In 2025, we see that more AI-assisted attacks will happen as well as disruptions to critical infrastructure. To combat these threats, our solutions and security experts continue to pre-empt threats and counter attacks to help users adopt cyber immune strategies.”
Conclusion: Vigilance is Key
While the decline in cyber threats is a positive sign, the evolving nature of cybercrime demands constant vigilance. As AI-powered attacks and sophisticated malware continue to emerge, both individuals and organizations must stay proactive in implementing robust cybersecurity practices. With experts like Kaspersky leading the charge, the fight against cyber threats is far from over, but there’s hope for a safer digital future.
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