Aditya Kakkar

As internet penetration increases in India, cyberspace and associated networks face an asymmetrical threat of cyber-crime, hacktivism and cyber-espionage. Security of the state now involves a multi-dimensional approach which includes safeguarding critical infrastructure such as energy and finance through cyberspace. Agencies which offer real-time responses are the need of the hour.

Unfortunately, government efforts are sometimes inadequate to counter frequent and sophisticated attacks from state and non-state actors. The government must create a favourable ecosystem for scaling up cyber-capabilities among the domestic private sector which still depends on foreign companies for complex solutions. Indian citizens must have access to Indian agencies to combat and neutralise threats that harm the internet ecosystem. India cannot shift to e-governance models if cyberspace security remains compromised.

In early 2017, Kaspersky Lab’s researchers discovered an emerging and dangerous trend: more and more cybercriminals are turning their attention from attacks against private users to targetted ransomware attacks against businesses.

According to managing director, Kaspersky Lab South Asia, Altaf Halde, “The attacks are primarily focused on financial organisations worldwide. Kaspersky Lab’s experts have encountered cases where payme