Digitalization and cyber security: MITS event warns of threats!

Digitalization and cyber security: MITS event warns of threats!

A look at India's digital future shows both progress and challenges. On October 18, 2025, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (Cyber ​​Security) of the Madanapalle Institute of Technology and Science (MITS) hosted an engaging guest lecture focusing on current topics related to digital technologies and cyber security issues. This event, held in collaboration with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), attracted interested students and professionals and provided a platform for valuable insights into India's digital landscape.

The keynote speaker at the event was R. Siva Shankar, Professor of Computer Science at the International College of Digital Innovation, Chiang Mai University in Thailand. He highlighted India's rapid rise as a major technology hub while highlighting the growing importance of cyber security in our digital age. There were dire warnings about threats such as data breaches, phishing and ransomware. The aim was not only to highlight the dangers, but also to launch a call for greater awareness and preventive measures among young engineers. Several faculty members from MITS, including Director P. Ramanathan, attended the event and enriched the discussions with their perspectives.

Cyber ​​risks in the digital revolution

India is going through a digital revolution where smartphones and internet have become everyday tools. With the introduction of online payment methods such as UPI and the surge in e-commerce, the economy has transformed into a digital first world economy. But this digital expansion also brings with it significant risks. Fiscal year 2024 saw an alarming increase of over $20 million in reported cyber fraud losses, a massive increase compared to previous years. Many companies and individuals are unprepared for the dangers of cybercrime such as phishing, malware and identity theft. Cybercriminals, who often exploit human errors and weak security practices, particularly benefit from this development.

Another worrying trend is the increasingly complex cyber attacks, some of which are carried out with the help of artificial intelligence. These techniques are not only harder to detect, but also more effective and targeted. In 2024, reports emerged that hackers were using AI-generated voices of CEOs to blackmail companies into paying ransoms. This shows how important it is to strengthen safety precautions and receive sufficient training.

Initiatives to improve cybersecurity

To meet the challenges, the Indian government has launched several measures to improve cybersecurity. Programs like Cyber ​​Surakshit Bharat aim to create awareness and increase security standards. The Reserve Bank of India has also implemented real-time transaction monitoring systems to identify risks at an early stage. Despite these initiatives, there is a significant shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals in India; It is estimated that there will be a need for over 1.5 million professionals by 2025.

This rapid growth in digitalization and the associated problems has led to the need for cyber security to be given a higher priority not only at the corporate level, but also in education. Small businesses and public institutions are often not adequately protected and urgently need to invest in security.

India is considered a rising power in the global south and aims to play a leading role in international cyber diplomacy. But the challenges remain enormous, particularly with regard to cyberattacks emanating from neighboring countries such as China and Pakistan. Therefore, commitment to a proactive cyber strategy remains essential to secure India’s national security objectives and digital future.

As the experts emphasized in the guest lecture, it is up to the future engineers and specialists to set the course for a secure digital future. The importance of cyber security frameworks and knowledge of current trends will be crucial in order to actually take advantage of the opportunities that digitalization offers.

For further information and background information, you can read more here: The Hindu, Boston Institute of Analytics and Carnegie Endowment.