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In the ever-evolving realm of cybersecurity, complacency can be a costly mistake. As cyber criminals continuously adapt and exploit new technologies, Indian organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their digital assets. Experts are urging Indian organizations to shed complacency and actively bolster their cybersecurity measures in the face of increasingly frequent and complex cyberattacks. New technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) offer exciting possibilities but also introduce fresh challenges to the cybersecurity landscape.
Dr. Sanjay Katkar, Joint Managing Director of Quick Heal Technologies, aptly describes AI in cybersecurity as a “double-edged sword.” While it empowers defensive capabilities, malicious actors can exploit it too.
However, not all hope is lost. Dr. Katkar assures us that certain detection technologies remain exclusive to cybersecurity professionals, offering a critical line of defense for critical digital infrastructure and anomaly detection. This is further underscored by research conducted by Seqrite Labs, which analyzed a staggering 400 million malware detections in India alone during 2023.
The financial repercussions of cyberattacks are equally concerning. A recent report by Barracuda Networks reveals that the average annual cost of responding to such incidents exceeds a staggering $5 million. Moreover, the report raises concerns about the potential use of Generative AI (GenAI) by hackers, further amplifying the volume, sophistication, and effectiveness of their attacks. In the face of this evolving threat landscape, experts propose a multi-pronged approach. Deploying AI-based defenses specifically tailored to counter these emerging threats is deemed essential.
Additionally, Raj Sivaraju, President of APAC at Arete, emphasizes the importance of implementing ethical frameworks to govern AI development and cyber use cases, potentially mitigating potential damage. Regular software updates, access isolation, and ongoing user training against evolving social engineering techniques are also highlighted as crucial measures.
Looking ahead, 2024 demands a proactive approach from Indian firms. Expanding training programs, fostering security partnerships, embracing automation, and implementing resilience principles like “zero trust” are identified as priorities for maturing defensive strategies. By embracing urgency, collaboration, and strategic technology investments, Indian cyber defenders can effectively confront the challenges posed by their adversaries and contribute to a more secure digital future.
