India’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem is facing an alarming rise in cyber threats, with organisations encountering an average of 3,195 cyberattacks per week, according to a new cybersecurity report. Experts warn that threat actors are increasingly using artificial intelligence and automation to launch faster, more precise and large-scale attacks, rendering traditional security models inadequate.
The report notes a 2% increase in weekly attacks in 2025 compared to 2024. While the growth may appear modest, analysts say the sophistication, targeting and impact of attacks have increased significantly, making the trend far more dangerous than the numbers suggest.
Education and government sectors under maximum pressure
Sectoral data shows that the education sector is the most heavily targeted, facing 7,684 attacks per organisation per week. This is followed by government institutions with 4,912 attacks and business services with 3,747 attacks per organisation weekly.
Experts attribute the vulnerability of schools, colleges and universities to large user bases, open network environments and relatively weaker cybersecurity infrastructure. Government systems, which store vast amounts of sensitive citizen data, remain highly attractive targets for attackers.
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Ransomware threat intensifies
Ransomware has emerged as the most critical risk, with extortion-related incidents rising by 53% and the number of active ransomware groups increasing by 50%. The proliferation of smaller, decentralised cybercriminal units has made attacks more frequent and significantly harder for law enforcement agencies to trace.
AI reshaping cybercrime tactics
Cybercriminals are leveraging AI to:
- Automate phishing and credential-harvesting campaigns
- Generate highly convincing social engineering content
- Identify system vulnerabilities at greater speed
- Launch simultaneous attacks on multiple organisations
As a result, cyber intrusions have become faster, more targeted and more difficult to detect. Attackers are also masking their identities using VPNs and compromised network devices, complicating attribution and response efforts.
Human error remains the primary entry point
Fraudulent calls, phishing emails and misuse of enterprise collaboration platforms are being used to gain initial access. Experts emphasise that human error has become a major vulnerability, making employee awareness and regular training as important as technological safeguards.
Shift towards proactive security needed
Cybersecurity specialists are urging organisations to adopt preventive, AI-enabled security frameworks. Key recommendations include:
- Zero-trust architecture
- Multi-factor authentication
- Continuous network monitoring
- AI-based threat detection
- Regular security audits and robust backup systems
Organisations are advised to operate on the assumption that breaches are inevitable and focus on rapid detection, containment and recovery capabilities.
A structural challenge for Digital India
The report highlights that as digital adoption accelerates across governance, education and business, cyber resilience must scale at the same pace. Weak security infrastructure could lead to financial losses, data breaches and disruption of critical services.
The rise of AI-driven cyberattacks marks a turning point, making cybersecurity not merely an IT function but a strategic priority for institutional leadership. Experts warn that without comprehensive reforms, cyber risks will continue to grow alongside India’s digital expansion.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
