
Indian companies paid USD 481,636 on average for cyber attack demands: Report
It stated that the median ransom demand fell by 52 per cent, from USD 2 million to USD 961,289, while the median payment dropped even more sharply by 79 per cent.
The report said that about 41 per cent of Indian organisations paid less than the original demand, nearly half paid the full amount, and 12 per cent paid even more, underscoring the unpredictable outcomes many face during ransomware incidents.
The report, whose findings are based on a survey, claimed that nearly 53 per cent of Indian companies paid the ransom to get their data back, which is a considerable drop from the 65 per cent reported last year.
The sixth annual State of Ransomware 2025 report surveyed around 3,400 IT and cybersecurity leaders across 17 countries, including 378 organisations in India that were hit by ransomware in the last year.
The report added that exploited vulnerabilities were the most common technical root cause of attack, used in 29 per cent of attacks. These are followed by compromised credentials, which were the start of 22 per cent of attacks. Malicious emails were used in 21 per cent of attacks, the report said.
The report said that from an operational perspective, 41 per cent of organisations cited a lack of people or capacity and/or poor-quality protection as common root causes, while 39 per cent acknowledged that not having the necessary cybersecurity products or services played a factor in their organisation falling victim to ransomware.
According to the survey, which was conducted between January and March this year, 31 per cent of Indian organisations reported data theft in attacks involving encrypted data, representing a modest decrease from 34 per cent the previous year.
The report claimed USD 1 million or more was demanded in ransom for 49 per cent of Indian organisations, down from 62 per cent the previous year. (ANI)

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Business Standard
14 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Hindustan Copper collaborates with Chile's Codelco to ramp up production
Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) is focusing on copper exploration and production through global collaborations as it seeks to ramp up its mining capacity from 3.47 million tonnes to 12 million tonnes per annum by FY 2030-31, a top company official said on Sunday. The Kolkata-based PSU has forged a partnership with Chile's Codelco to enhance technical strength to boost production, he said. "We've forged a strategic partnership with Codelco to build technical strength and explore deeper mineralisation. The visit of Codelco representatives to our key mining sites is part of efforts to upgrade our capabilities, HCL Chairman and Managing Director Sanjiv Kumar Singh told PTI. A three-week-long visit by experts from the Chilean copper major is currently underway, during which the team has been visiting all HCL units and offices across the country to assess various mining and operational aspects. The development comes in the backdrop of sharp criticism from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in its performance audit report submitted last December. Covering the period between 2016-17 and 2021-22, the report flagged off serious lapses in planning, contractor selection and execution for low production growth, including that in the Malanjkhand underground development project a key initiative for the state-owned copper major. Central to HCL's expansion plan is the Malanjkhand Copper Project (MCP) in Madhya Pradesh, where the company has completed its transition to underground mining and is now "relying on technical expertise" from Codelco, the world's largest copper producer, to accelerate progress, the official said. Singh said the memorandum of understanding between HCL and Codelco is structured to focus on deep exploration by leveraging its global expertise to locate deeper ore bodies and technical capacity building. It will explore the possibility of forming a joint venture for developing copper blocks in Chile, he said. While the scope of the MoU currently emphasises technical collaboration, Singh indicated that the partnership might be expanded in the future, depending on progress and mutual interest, Singh said. The CAG report had also noted that awarding a ₹1,176-crore contract for Malanjkhand to a financially weak and blacklisted firm led to significant delays and a potential revenue loss of ₹1,051 crore. The cost overrun was pegged at ₹538 crore, further compounded by unjustified ad hoc payments, it said. Despite past challenges, Malanjkhand recorded its highest-ever annual underground ore production of 2.73 million tonnes in FY 2024-25, exceeding its target by 3 per cent. The company now plans to raise the mine's capacity to 5 million tonnes per annum, making it a cornerstone of HCL's long-term capacity expansion roadmap, Singh added.

Hindustan Times
16 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
After Crocs, Birkenstock cracks down on fake footwear in India
Indian court-appointed legal representatives inspected small-scale factories in recent weeks to seize suspected counterfeit Birkenstock footwear, after the German brand launched an infringement lawsuit, people familiar with the matter said. Birkenstock's case is occurring around the same time other shoemakers are in the news in India. (REUTERS) Birkenstock's case is occurring around the same time other shoemakers are in the news in India. Crocs this month secured a court nod to pursue a nine-year-old infringement case, while Prada is facing heat over showcasing sandals similar to ethnic Indian footwear without initially giving credit to India. Reuters is first to report the Indian case details related to Birkenstock sandals, which have evolved from a counterculture symbol to a trendy fashion item, and are also popular in India. In May, Birkenstock filed an infringement lawsuit in the Delhi High Court against four footwear traders, four factories and two unnamed individuals. Its complaint stated an internal investigation found counterfeits were being made in rural areas in and around the tourist hub of Agra, and sold locally and exported to other countries. On May 26, Delhi judge Saurabh Banerjee issued a confidential order that was only made public on the court's website last week. It said 10 local lawyers were appointed as commissioners to visit the suspected factories. The judge said commissioners can "seize, pack and seal the infringing products", and his order included photographs that Birkenstock submitted showing the alleged counterfeit footwear and shoe boxes with the company's branding. The visits have been completed and reports were submitted confidentially to the judge, the three people familiar with the matter said on Saturday, asking to remain unidentified. The next hearing in the case is set for October 6. The visits were conducted in Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, and in India's capital New Delhi, the people said, declining to give further details from their inspection. Birkenstock did not respond to queries from Reuters and its lawyers from Delhi-based law firm Lall and Sethi declined to comment, citing the pending legal case. In his May order, Banerjee said he reviewed photographs and samples of the alleged counterfeit products in court, and they "seem like a cheap knock off" of Birkenstock products. "There is all likelihood of the public getting deceived ... The differences, hardly if any, are not something which can be discernable to the naked eyes," he wrote. Once popular with hippies, tech enthusiasts and medical professionals, Birkenstock gained widespread attention after Australian actress Margot Robbie wore a pair of pink Birkenstocks in the final scene of the 2023 hit movie "Barbie". In February, a German court said Birkenstock sandals do not qualify as art and are therefore not protected by copyright, dismissing a lawsuit brought by the German company. In India, Birkenstock footwear for women is priced between $46 and $233.


Time of India
23 minutes ago
- Time of India
Industry ready if US trade deal doesn't materialise: CII President
Indian industry is prepared for any outcome regarding the proposed bilateral trade agreement with the United States, according to Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President Rajiv Memani, who emphasised that the country's business sector will not pursue deals that compromise national interests. In an interview with ANI, Mempraised the government's extensive consultation process with industry stakeholders before positioning India in trade negotiations. "The Indian government has given considerable time to understand industry concerns, issues and opportunities. Every industry, every size of industry has been consulted to understand how India should be positioned," he said. The CII President emphasized that there is no compulsion to conclude a deal at any cost. "There is no doubt that India will only do this deal when it is in India's interest and America's interest. Until it is not in the interest of both countries, this deal will not happen. There is no compulsion in this regard," Memani stated. Live Events Expressing readiness for either possibilty, Memani outlined the conditions under which industry would support the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). "If you ask industry whether they want this FTA on favourable terms and if we get relatively better terms compared to other countries, then industry desires this FTA," he explained. The potential benefits are significant, particularly regarding tariff reduction. "The 26 per cent tariff that has been imposed will come down and industry will get opportunities to operate there. We will remain more competitive compared to other countries," Memani noted. The CII President also highlighted the broader strategic messaging that an FTA would send: "When two countries have an FTA, it also sends a message that both countries are ready to work together." Memani acknowledged that certain sectors would face difficulties if the trade deal (with US) doesn't materialize, but emphasized industry's commitment to national interests. "It is certain that some sectors and some industries will face difficulties, but industries do not want to work in a way that harms the country. Industry wants to do this in a way that benefits the country," he said. The CII President specifically identified potential competitive challenges, particularly in the automotive sector. "If you look at auto companies, Mexico has a trade deal where tariff is almost 0 per cent. If there's a 25 per cent gap, then Mexico becomes most competitive," he explained. Memani predicted that Mexico would be the primary beneficiary if India fails to secure favorable terms, with some potential gains for Vietnam as well. "The maximum alternative replacement will come from Mexico, with some possibility from Vietnam," he said. The textiles and garments industry could face particular challenges due to Vietnam's existing advantages. "The garments industry could become slightly less competitive because Vietnam has a 20 per cent tariff," Memani observed, highlighting how existing trade relationships could impact Indian competitiveness. Memani cautioned against expecting immediate benefits even if a deal is concluded, describing trade agreements as "a long game." He emphasised that both countries would need to make adjustments to maximize benefits. "Many American companies may also invest in India to export from India. Indian companies will also have to focus on their competitiveness," he noted, suggesting that the government might need to implement reforms and support measures to help industries become more competitive. The CII President's comments reflect a mature approach to international trade negotiations, where industry supports government efforts to secure favorable terms while remaining prepared for alternative scenarios. "Trade deals are two-way. Some things will be good, while some sectors may face challenges," Memani said acknowledging the complex nature of international trade agreements and their varied impacts across different sectors of the economy.