India has become a prime target for cybercriminals. According to reports, malware infections in Windows devices and email-based attacks are consistently increasing. Generative AI and hybrid work models have exacerbated the threat, with the IT, telecom, and manufacturing sectors being the most affected.
Cyber Attack: India is now the number one target for cyber attacks worldwide. According to a report by Swiss cyber security firm Acronis, 12.4% of Windows devices in India were infected with malware in May 2025, which increased to 13.2% in June. Additionally, at the beginning of 2024, 20% of cyber attacks were recorded on official emails, which rose to 25.6% by the first half of 2025. Experts say that AI tools, deepfakes, and phishing techniques have made the threat even more complex.
Windows Users at Greatest Risk
The report stated that in May 2025, 12.4% of Windows devices in India were found to be infected with malware, the highest globally. Just one month later, in June 2025, this figure rose to 13.2%.
This directly means that users in India who use the Windows operating system are most targeted by cybercriminals. Experts believe that if cybersecurity measures are not implemented in a timely and robust manner, the risk of cyber attacks on India may increase further in the future.
Increased Risk from Email and AI Tools
According to a Mint report, cyber attacks on official emails were 20% at the beginning of 2024, which increased to 25.6% by the first half of 2025. This means that email has now become the easiest and most lethal weapon for hackers.
Acronis says that hackers are now using AI tools to steal people's personal information such as credit card details and passwords, not just through traditional methods. This has made cyber attacks more deadly and difficult to detect.
IT and Telecom Sectors Most Affected
The report also made it clear that Generative AI has made the path easier for cybercriminals. It has now become extremely difficult to detect phishing emails, fake invoices, and deepfake-based scams.
Rajesh Chhabra, General Manager of Acronis India and South Asia, said that the hybrid work model adopted after the Covid pandemic has weakened the security of companies. In particular, the manufacturing, IT service, and telecom industries have become the most at-risk sectors in India.
Need for Strict Digital Security
Clearly, India has now become the largest target for cyber attacks in the world. Increasing malware attacks, phishing emails, and AI-based fraud have put everyone from ordinary users to large companies at risk. If cybersecurity measures are not strengthened in the coming times, a major crisis may arise in the digital ecosystem.
