AI vs. cyber threats: How India can fortify its digital future

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- Harsh Sharma

India is the second-most hacked country globally as of 2024, with 95 major cybercrimes recorded. The beginning of 2025 saw no large-scale attacksbut that's the problem. A lack of major incidents often means cybercriminals are lurking, waiting for the right moment to exploit vulnerabilities.

From financial frauds to large-scale ransomware attacks, India's cybersecurity is at a tipping point. Can AI become the ultimate shield against these cyber threats?

Major Cyber Attacks of 2024and How AI Could Have Stopped Them

1. WazirX Exchange Breach

What Happened?

One of India's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, WazirX, was hacked in late 2024 through a multi-signature wallet exploit. The wallet, managed by Liminal, was compromised, giving hackers access to digital assets. This shook confidence in decentralized finance (DeFi) security.

How AI Could Have Prevented It:

• AI Fraud Detection: Al-powered transaction monitoring could have flagged unusual access attempts and suspicious wallet movements, blocking unauthorized transactions in real time.

• Behavioral Analytics: AI could have analyzed login activity patterns and triggered alerts before the breach escalated.

• Adaptive Threat Intelligence: AI could have mapped all attack vectors and proactively patched vulnerabilities before attackers exploited them.

2. BSNL Data Breach

What Happened?

BSNL, the state-run telecom giant, suffered a massive data breach, exposing 278 GB of user data. A hacker, known online as "kiberphantom", leaked International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) numbers and SIM card details, putting national security on high alert.

How AI Could Have Prevented It: