Surge in Online Account Hacks in India: A Cause for Concern
Deepak 
Growing Cyber Threat:
A report released by Surfshark, a global cybersecurity company, revealed that a staggering 17.1 million online accounts were hacked in India during the first quarter (January-March) of 2024. This alarming statistic highlights the rapidly growing cyber threat landscape in India.
Key Findings of the Report:
- Impacted Accounts: The report indicates that hacked accounts spanned across various platforms, including email, social media, e-commerce, and banking.
- Data Breach: These hacks resulted in the leakage of sensitive user data such as names, passwords, banking information, and more.
- India's Ranking: With over 320.5 million accounts leaked in the past 19 years, India has emerged as the world's 8th most affected country in terms of online account breaches.
- Global Comparison: While countries like the US, Russia, and China have also witnessed online account hacking incidents, India is not far behind.
Hacking Techniques Employed:
- Phishing: Hackers often resort to phishing emails and social media messages to trick users into revealing personal information.
- Malware: Malicious software (malware) embedded in websites and apps can infect user devices and steal data.
- Brute-Force Attacks: Hackers may use software to crack complex passwords.
Protecting Yourself:
- Strong Passwords: Employ unique and strong passwords for each of your online accounts.
- Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts for an extra layer of security.
- Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Software: Keep your devices protected by installing and updating antivirus and anti-malware software.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Immediately report any suspicious activity to the concerned company.
- Browse Cautiously: Exercise caution while browsing online, and only access websites and apps from trusted sources.
Conclusion:
Combating the rising cyber threats in India requires increased awareness and robust security measures. It's crucial for users to be vigilant about their online safety and take necessary steps to protect themselves.
