New Delhi: Cybersecurity has moved from being an IT function to a boardroom priority for Indian enterprises, with new surveys and threat data showing that digital risks now directly affect operations, revenue and corporate trust. Experts warn that companies must embed security into core strategy as artificial intelligence adoption, cloud expansion and data-driven business models widen the attack surface.
A recent industry risk survey found that 61% of business leaders view cybersecurity as the single biggest factor shaping organisational performance. More than half expressed concern about data theft and fraud by insiders, highlighting that threats are no longer limited to external hackers.
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At the same time, firms are caught in a paradox over artificial intelligence. While 59% of executives believe slow adoption of emerging technologies such as AI is hurting efficiency, 54% say governance and ethical controls for AI remain inadequate. This gap is creating new vulnerabilities, including so-called “shadow AI” — the unsupervised use of generative AI tools by employees — which can lead to data leaks and compliance risks.
Rapid digitisation driving demand for cyber services
India’s expanding digital economy has sharply increased the need for threat detection, risk management, compliance tools and managed security services. Cloud adoption and data-intensive platforms have made enterprises more connected — but also more exposed.
The domestic cybersecurity product ecosystem has grown significantly, with over 400 companies generating about $4.46 billion in revenue in 2025, reflecting strong demand for security solutions. On the global stage, India has improved its preparedness, achieving a Tier-I ranking in the International Telecommunication Union’s Global Cybersecurity Index with a score of 98.49, placing it among the world’s most cyber-ready nations.
Threat landscape remains intense
Despite progress, the scale of attacks remains high. Industry threat reports indicate that over 265 million cyberattacks were recorded in India between October 2024 and September 2025, affecting sectors such as education, healthcare and manufacturing.
Another analysis shows Indian organisations facing more than 2,000 cyberattacks per week, well above the global average, underscoring the speed at which digital threats are evolving.
These attacks increasingly target supply chains, third-party vendors and cross-border data flows, meaning a single breach can disrupt multiple organisations. Ransomware, AI-generated phishing, deepfake-enabled fraud and credential theft are emerging as major risks.
Need for governance and Zero-Trust models
Security experts emphasise that traditional perimeter-based defence is no longer sufficient. Companies are being urged to adopt Zero-Trust architectures, continuous authentication, and stronger identity and access management systems.
Data-loss prevention tools for generative AI, stricter controls on employee tool usage, and enterprise-wide AI governance frameworks are becoming essential.
Policy and industry coordination critical
Reducing systemic cyber risk will require closer coordination between industry, regulators and technology providers. Faster threat-intelligence sharing, clearer cyber norms, and stricter enforcement of data-protection standards are seen as key steps.
Preparedness is no longer optional, analysts say. As cyber risks spill across borders and supply chains, resilience will depend on collective action, board-level oversight and sustained investment in security infrastructure.
For Indian enterprises, cybersecurity is now directly linked to business continuity, regulatory compliance and stakeholder confidence — making it a defining factor in long-term competitiveness.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
