India blocked more than 500 million cyber attacks in the first quarter of 2024 and will see nearly 1 trillion attacks annually by 2033: report – Firstpost

India is increasingly at risk from cyber attacks. The country is expected to experience as many as 1 trillion attacks annually by 2033 and 17 trillion by 2047, according to a new report from Prahar, a nonprofit organization. The report, titled The Invisible Hand, warns that as India rises on the global stage, it is also becoming more vulnerable to advanced digital threats.

The growing fame is not just about hackers seeking financial gain. The report identifies a more dangerous type of cyber attack – one that targets citizens and manipulates them through platforms such as illegal offshore betting and gaming apps.

These threats, Prahar points out, have the potential to destabilize the nation from within, turning ordinary individuals into tools for cybercriminals and adversaries.

Lost Rs 1,750 crore to cybercriminals in three months
Prahar’s report notes that India blocked more than 500 million cyber attacks in the first three months of 2024 alone. By the end of the second quarter, cyber attacks in the country had increased by 46 percent compared to the same period in 2023. These attacks are not just inconveniences; they take a heavy toll. According to reports from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, over Rs 1,750 crore was lost to cybercriminals between January and April 2024.

In addition to financial losses, Prahar’s findings point to a disturbing trend of young people being drawn to illegal online platforms. Because some gambling platforms operate completely outside Indian regulations, citizens who engage with these services unknowingly become tools for malicious actors. A closer look at Google searches shows that interest in illegal gambling platforms is consistently 5 to 15 times greater than searches for legitimate options.

“There are two types of cyber attacks. First of all, it concerns traditional hackers who exploit vulnerabilities in systems for financial gain or disruption. The second, more insidious form targets civilians and recruits them to participate in anti-national activities through manipulation, coercion or threats. Such tactics are likely to be used on illegal gambling apps. This tactic also resembles the approach used in Bangladesh, where opponents managed to turn ordinary citizens into instruments of destabilization, undermining government institutions from within. Indian security forces must thoroughly investigate the extent of such possibilities,” said Abhay Mishra, National Convenor and President of Prahar.

The need for offensive cyber strategies
The report calls for a change in India’s approach to cybersecurity and urges the government to adopt both defensive and offensive strategies. Prahar recommends the creation of a “Super Cyber ​​Force” capable of carrying out pre-emptive attacks in cyberspace, much like military operations. Experts who contributed to the report believe that cyberspace has become a new battlefield and it is time for India to move beyond reactive measures.

Muktesh Chander, a retired Indian police officer with expertise in cybercrime investigation, emphasized 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 engaged in activities that sabotage important parameters of the economy. We have seen this in Estonia and in several conflicts between different countries. The latest example is the cyberwar we have seen between Ukraine and Russia. We have been watching this for a long time,” Chander explains.

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 minimization” strategy similar to that used in Europe, with tools such as self-exclusion options, user limits and community involvement to steer young people away from illegal platforms.

Securing India’s future
While Prahar acknowledges that no country can completely prevent cyber attacks, the report emphasizes the need for a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy. A key recommendation is to consolidate IT infrastructure under one organization or ministry to streamline efforts. The nonprofit 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 way forward, according to Prahar, lies in combining technical solutions with social responsibility. Instead of restricting the digital space, India should promote legitimate online platforms to keep citizens engaged in a positive way. 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.

As the world watches, the message is clear: India must act now to protect its citizens and secure its place as a global leader, not only economically, but also in cyberspace.