DDoS Attacks on Indian Infrastructure Soar by 50% in 2024! Are You Prepared?

In 2024, India’s digital transformation took a significant leap, positioning the country as the world’s third-largest digital economy. However, this rapid growth also exposed India to a sharp increase in cyber threats, with DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks on the country’s infrastructure surging by 50%.

A Surge in Cybercrime: The Dark Web and Growing Threats

As India embraces digital technologies, cybercriminals are increasingly focusing on its critical infrastructure. A 50% rise in DDoS attacks since the beginning of 2024 highlights the escalating risks. These attacks are largely aimed at accessing sensitive databases and compromising the infrastructure of key Indian organizations. 85% of these attacks target financial institutions, with the remaining 15% directed at government agencies. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), for example, faces over 100 cyberattacks daily, underscoring the urgency of bolstering security measures.

The rise in DDoS attacks is part of a broader trend, with India ranking among the top three countries in terms of dark web advertisements related to stolen databases. A staggering 42% of dark web posts from India involve stolen databases, many of which are being distributed for free by ransomware groups and hacktivists.

The Rising Threat to Critical Data

A major concern in this surge of cyberattacks is the targeting of personally identifiable information (PII). The majority (61%) of stolen data consists of customer and employee details, highlighting the high stakes for businesses and individuals alike. For instance, 7.5 million customer records were compromised in a cyberattack on a major Indian electronics manufacturer in April 2024.

Ransomware and Databases: The Most Common Tools

Ransomware remains one of the most popular tools used in these cyberattacks. Positive Technologies’ report states that 23% of successful attacks were executed through ransomware, which is often used to encrypt and demand ransom for valuable data. Interestingly, while only 29% of hacked databases are sold on the dark web, access credentials remain a hot commodity. These credentials often grant attackers access to financial organizations and retail companies, and the price for access to sensitive systems, such as an Indian bank’s internal IT infrastructure, can exceed $70,000.

What Does This Mean for Indian Businesses?

As cybercriminals continue to target India’s key sectors, businesses must take immediate action to protect their digital infrastructure. Effective cybersecurity should go beyond traditional defense mechanisms. Security strategies should integrate SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) and XDR (Extended Detection and Response) solutions, which can enhance the detection and response to threats in real-time.

Modern tools like next-generation firewalls (NGFW), web application firewalls (WAF), and network traffic analysis (NTA) are essential in defending against the rising tide of cyberattacks. Additionally, companies must not overlook sandboxes—virtual environments that help detect and isolate malware, including ransomware.

The Way Forward

In a world where cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, Indian businesses must take proactive steps to safeguard their data and infrastructure. By implementing robust cybersecurity measures, they can mitigate the risks of DDoS attacks, ransomware, and data breaches while securing their digital future. Is your business prepared to face the growing cyber threat?

MASL’s cybersecurity solutions deliver end-to-end security, from threat detection to advanced data protection. With expert strategies and cutting-edge tools, we ensure your business stays safe against evolving cyber threats. Ready to strengthen your defenses? Contact us now to secure your organization’s future!