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By Ayshwaria Lakshmi | IMAWS
The future of the cybersecurity space in India holds several key trends and developments, driven by the evolving threat landscape, technological advancements, and regulatory changes. As the country becomes more digitally connected, it will attract the attention of cybercriminals. India is likely to see a continued increase in cyber threats, including ransomware attacks, phishing campaigns, and supply chain vulnerabilities.
Last month, the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill was made into a law after President Droupadi Murmu granted permission. While this move was welcomed by the players, some even feel that Indian standards are coming much later.
“The Government is bringing in new standards and regulations which are required at this point. But when you compare it globally, there are more standards which we do not have in India. While this might not be a challenge, the problem comes when there is an issue and we do not have standards or regulation in the country. We need a clear understanding of what to do and what not to do. These are why we need standards in the country. The regulation should be placed between system and individual, as cybersecurity involves every individual,” said RB Rajesh, CEO & Managing Director, Mirox Cyber Security & Technology.
More Importantly, there is also a need for country to country alignment when it comes to the regulations and standards, he further added. The Data Protection Law requires organisations to comply with data protection and privacy standards. This will drive greater emphasis on data security and privacy practices. With the introduction of DPDP Law (data protection law) like GDPR . organisations need to prioritise data privacy and protection.
“Improving cybersecurity in India, like in any other country, requires a multi Level approach involving government policies, organisational practices, and individual awareness. We already have places like NCIIPC, CERT IN. These practices should be developed and implemented across Govt and Private organisations aligned with a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy that outlines the government’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and data, as well as addressing emerging threats,” said Laxmi Narayan Sahu, a leading expert in cyber securtiy with more than 2 decades of experience in space, shared his opinion. Organisations and governments should regularly assess their cybersecurity strategies and adapt to new challenges and technologies to stay resilient against cyber threats, he further added.
There requires a coordinated effort from government, industry, and civil society to solve any challenges in the industry. A proactive approach to cybersecurity, including education, regulation, and investment, is essential to protect India’s digital assets and infrastructure in an increasingly connected world.
Upcoming Technologies and its trends
India is embracing emerging technologies like 5G, IoT, and AI. The future of cybersecurity will involve securing these technologies against cyber threats, including vulnerabilities specific to these domains.
When considering the direction of the cybersecurity market, several intriguing trends emerge. The landscape is rapidly evolving to tackle growing cyber threats like ransomware, cloud risks, and crafty phishing schemes. At the same time, there’s an exciting push towards integrating next-gen technologies, particularly AI and machine learning, which promise to revolutionise threat detection and response. As the world becomes more interconnected and remote work becomes the norm, there’s a heightened focus on securing IoT devices and protecting remote work environments.
Adding to this is the increasing importance of proactive measures, such as sophisticated training programs for employees and the development of advanced security policies. Lastly, as AI becomes more integrated into security, the industry is making strides in ensuring these AI models are robust, ethical, and resistant to vulnerabilities. All in all, the cybersecurity domain is gearing up for some thrilling advancements and challenges.
The adoption of Zero Trust principles, which assume that no one should be trusted by default, will likely become more common. Organizations will focus on securing access to resources based on continuous verification. The use of AI and machine learning in cybersecurity will continue to grow, enabling more advanced threat detection and automated responses to cyberattacks.
“In the context of global cybersecurity trends, India boasts rapid digital growth and a significant IT talent pool. However, a prevailing mindset often perceives cybersecurity tools as optional expenses rather than essential protections. This view contrasts starkly with global standards, where such tools are deemed indispensable. As a result, even as India progresses digitally, we face rising cyberattacks, laws requiring fortification, and increased vulnerabilities for businesses holding critical data, positioning them as attractive targets for adept hackers,” said V Anand, CEO, Raksha Technologies.
Changing attitudes towards cybersecurity:
Y Srinivasa Rao of Niha Technologies, feels that with the increase in the SaaS solutions, many customers think that solutions, bundled with cyber security are enough for any threats. “This should change. On one side, we truly believe it is the duty of the OEMs to secure the solutions. However, on the other hand, with the attacks we come across, such basic solutions are not going to help us for the long run and we need advanced defence mechanisms”, he said.
Sivarajan R of Alt F9 Technology solutions says the awareness level had a multi fold post COVID scenario. “Earlier customers were cutting-cost on cyber security. However, now the demand for quality products has come up. Customers do not look at other anti-virus solutions. They also look for a secured network, thanks to the recent attacks.” Industries like hospitality, health care and IT has started investing more on security and surprisingly even the start-ups across a wide range of spectrum have also started asking for innovative solutions.”, said Sivarajan concluding that the market is still attractive if there are new solutions. 
Future of Cybersecurity
“The future of cybersecurity in India will be shaped by technological advancements, evolving cyber threats, regulatory changes, and the ability of organisations and individuals to adapt to these challenges. It will require a multi-faceted approach involving government, industry, and individuals to ensure a secure digital future for the country,” said Viren Iltaliya, CISO, GSC Bank. India has several advantages in the cybersecurity space, including a skilled workforce and a growing technology sector. However, it also faces challenges such as a skills shortage, limited awareness, and regulatory complexity.
To further strengthen its cybersecurity posture, players in the industry say India needs to continue investing in education and training, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and fostering public-private collaboration. Cybersecurity is a global concern, and addressing these challenges will contribute to India’s role in the global cybersecurity landscape.
The future of cybersecurity in India will be characterised by a dynamic and evolving landscape. Organisations, government agencies, and individuals will need to remain vigilant, adapt to emerging threats and technologies, and invest in robust cybersecurity practices to safeguard digital assets and data, said the players in the industry. Cybersecurity will continue to be a critical component of India’s digital transformation and economic growth.