Cyber Security

In a move to enhance the country’s ability to combat cybercrime, the Indian government has authorized the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to share and receive information from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This collaboration aims to strengthen efforts in detecting financial frauds linked to cybercrimes, particularly transnational scams.

Kaspersky, the global cybersecurity firm, is significantly increasing its presence in India, recognizing the country’s rapid digitalization and expanding cybersecurity needs. Over the past two years, Kaspersky has tripled its workforce in India, expanded its research capabilities, and enhanced its collaborations with both government agencies and private sector entities. The company aims to position India as a central hub for innovation and cybersecurity solutions, particularly in response to rising threats targeting IT and operational technology systems.

Global cybersecurity leader Kaspersky has reported impressive double-digit growth in India for 2024, underscoring the country’s strategic importance within the company’s Asia-Pacific (APAC) expansion plans. As Kaspersky celebrates 25 years of operations in the region, it continues to bolster its presence through enhanced support, an expanded workforce, and cutting-edge technological solutions. The company’s success is attributed to a robust partnership network and an increased focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

As artificial intelligence accelerates the evolution of cyber threats, cybersecurity visionary Eugene Kaspersky has issued a stark warning: the traditional methods of digital defense are no longer sufficient. Speaking at GITEX Asia 2025, Kaspersky underscored the urgency of reengineering our digital systems to be cyber immune by design—not merely secure. With cybercriminals exploiting AI to automate and scale attacks, the threat landscape is growing increasingly complex.

In a move aimed at deepening its influence in the fields of forensic accounting, cybersecurity, and advanced audit technologies, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has formalized partnerships with two Ministry of Home Affairs–backed institutions: Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU). These collaborations will drive joint research, develop specialized curricula, and facilitate industry-ready certifications in critical areas such as blockchain, big data analytics, and robotic process automation (RPA).

India’s rapid adoption of smart technology—particularly in the financial and energy sectors—has opened new frontiers of growth, innovation, and efficiency. However, this digital transformation has come at a cost: a dramatic rise in sophisticated cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure. According to a recent study unveiled by G20 Sherpa and former Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, cyber intrusions have surged by 300% between 2021 and 2024. With data breaches in the financial sector costing upwards of Rs.

In response to the rising threat of cyber fraud, particularly through mule accounts, Indian banks are advocating for expanded powers to freeze accounts suspected of illicit activities without waiting for external authorization. Currently, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), banks are not allowed to block or freeze accounts without prior approval from courts or law enforcement agencies.