Written by : Dr. Aishwarya Sarthe
January 27, 2025
This figure is significantly higher than the global average of 1,847 attacks per week, highlighting India's vulnerability to evolving cyber threats.
A recent report by cybersecurity solutions provider Check Point Software Technologies reveals that the Indian healthcare sector is the most targeted by cyber attackers.
According to the report, Indian healthcare organizations have faced the highest number of cyberattacks among industries, with an alarming 8,614 weekly attacks per organization over the past six months.
Education and research sectors followed with 7,983 attacks, and government/military organizations reported 4,731 weekly attacks.
The report, titled The State of Global Cyber Security 2025, sheds light on the growing cyber threat landscape in India, where organizations encountered an average of 3,291 attacks per week.
This figure is significantly higher than the global average of 1,847 attacks per week, highlighting India's vulnerability to evolving cyber threats.
The healthcare sector’s high susceptibility to attacks is attributed to the use of outdated systems and increased digitization, which have made it a prime target for cybercriminals.
The report underscores the prevalence of several malware strains in India, including two Remote Access Trojans (RATs), one infostealer (Formbook), a ransomware strain (Maze), and a botnet and downloader, both identified as FakeUpdates.
In May 2024, India suffered a critical data breach exposing 500 GB of biometric data, including fingerprints and facial scans, further emphasizing the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures.
Maya Horowitz, VP of Research at Check Point Software, said, “Cybersecurity in 2025 is not only about protecting networks; it’s about safeguarding trust in our systems and institutions. The State of Global Cyber Security 2025 highlights the rapid evolution of threats and reinforces the need for resilience in the face of persistent and complex adversaries.”
The report also highlights the role of generative AI (GenAI) in cyberattacks, marking 2024 as a year when attackers increasingly leveraged AI-driven tools to carry out disinformation campaigns, create deepfake videos, steal money, and manipulate public opinion.
Additionally, infostealer attacks surged by 58%, showcasing a maturing cyber ecosystem.
Notably, over 70% of infected devices were personal, as threat actors exploited bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environments to infiltrate corporate systems.
Globally, a 44% year-over-year increase in cyberattacks was reported, with a shift from acute attacks to chronic campaigns by nation-states aiming to destabilize systems and erode public trust.