Cybersecurity Industry Reaches $20 Billion in India

AI – A Double-Edged Sword, says CERT-In
147 Ransomware Attacks Recorded Last Year
CERT-In Playing a Vital Role in Countering Cyber Threats

India is rapidly emerging as a global cybersecurity hub with over 400 startups and 650,000 skilled professionals in the field, pushing the nation’s cybersecurity industry to the $20 billion mark, according to Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team), under the Ministry of Electronics and IT.

Speaking at an interaction with journalists from the European Union, Dr. Bahl stated that Indian innovators are developing advanced solutions in areas such as threat detection, cyber forensics, and AI-based surveillance systems — crucial for building a secure digital ecosystem.

He described Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a “double-edged sword” — beneficial for strengthening defense mechanisms but equally exploitable by cybercriminals. CERT-In, he noted, effectively uses AI-driven analytics and automation to detect, prevent, and respond to cyberattacks in real time, while also implementing strategies to counter misuse of AI in cyber offenses.

Dr. Bahl elaborated on CERT-In’s responsibilities during crisis situations — sharing threat intelligence, coordinating responses, and issuing timely advisories to prevent panic among citizens and organizations.

Last year, India reported 147 ransomware attacks, he revealed. Prompt intervention, forensic analysis, and intelligence sharing by CERT-In significantly minimized their impact.

The Ministry of IT added that the government is providing policy support and specialized training for Indian cybersecurity startups. Aligned with the Digital India mission, India is also collaborating with global agencies like France’s ANSSI to build a robust and resilient cybersecurity framework.