Surge in Cyber Attacks in Kerala: A Wake-Up Call for Cybersecurity

As we navigate through the first half of 2024, the digital landscape in India has witnessed a troubling trend: a significant increase in cyber-attacks targeting various sectors, particularly in Kerala. A recent report by Technisanct, a cybersecurity firm based in Kochi and Delaware, has shed light on this alarming rise, revealing that educational institutions and businesses are among the primary victims.

The Alarming Statistics

The "India Breach Report," compiled by Technisanct using its threat intelligence platform, Falconfeeds, has documented a staggering 593 cyber incidents from January to July 2024. These incidents are categorized into four main types: data breaches, data leaks, ransomware attacks, and access sales or leaks.

Data breaches have emerged as the most prevalent threat, accounting for 388 incidents in just six months. Following closely are 107 data leaks, 39 ransomware cases, and 59 incidents involving unauthorized access sales or leaks. The report highlights a concerning trend: the peak of cyber incidents occurred between March and April, coinciding with the general elections in India, suggesting that threat actors are exploiting periods of heightened national activity for their malicious activities.

Vulnerabilities in Data Protection

The report underscores the vulnerabilities in data protection measures across various sectors. The increase in data breaches points to a lack of robust security protocols and highlights the urgent need for organizations to implement strong access control measures, regular monitoring, and swift responses to unauthorized access attempts.

Education and research sectors have been identified as the most affected, with the government and public sector following closely behind, suffering 71 cyber incidents. Notably, military, defense, law enforcement, and government departments across multiple states have also fallen victim to these attacks.

The Impact on Kerala

In Kerala, the repercussions of these cyber incidents have been particularly pronounced. Victims include a university, a major jewelry chain, several schools, two polytechnics, two food brands, and an apparel company. This diverse range of targets illustrates that no sector is immune to cyber threats, emphasizing the need for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies.

Ransomware: A Growing Threat

The ransomware landscape in India has seen significant activity from various groups, including LOCKBIT 3.0, DARKVAULT, and CL0P, among others. These groups are notorious for their sophisticated tactics and have been responsible for numerous high-profile attacks. The report also highlights a breach involving the National Disaster Management Authority’s volunteers, where sensitive data of 93,000 individuals was compromised, further illustrating the severity of the situation.

A Call for Vigilance

Nandakishore Harikuar, CEO of Technisanct, emphasizes the importance of vigilance in the face of rising cyber threats. He notes that the increasing number of cyber incidents serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by cybersecurity breaches, which have been looming for some time.

Technisanct’s flagship product, Falcon Feeds, is designed for threat actor-focused security monitoring and serves over 200 clients, primarily in Europe and the US. The company’s mission is to democratize cybersecurity, making it accessible to all organizations, regardless of size.

The Road Ahead

Nandakishore’s journey into the world of cybersecurity began in 2016 when he discovered sensitive information on the dark web. This pivotal moment ignited his passion for cybersecurity and led to the founding of Technisanct. He believes that India is on the brink of becoming a global innovation hub in cybersecurity, with immense potential for growth in this field.

Reflecting on his experiences, Nandakishore recalls attending a cybersecurity conference in Israel in 2019, where he encountered skepticism about Indian cybersecurity products. Fast forward to today, and Technisanct has secured 12 clients from Israel, showcasing the growing recognition of Indian cybersecurity solutions on the global stage.

Conclusion

The surge in cyber-attacks in Kerala and across India serves as a critical wake-up call for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too do the tactics employed by cybercriminals. It is imperative for businesses, educational institutions, and government entities to invest in robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard their data and maintain the trust of their stakeholders. The time to act is now, as the threat of cyber breaches looms larger than ever.