By Sujata Kutinho, Manager CYDA
Every day, we use digital platforms to communicate, shop, make payments, access government services and store important information. Our names, phone numbers, photographs, bank details, identity documents and even our online behaviour have become valuable digital assets.
But as our dependence on technology grows, so does the risk of cybercrime.
A growing digital threat
Recent developments show that cybersecurity is no longer only a concern for technology companies. In India, cyber threats are increasingly targeting critical sectors such as banking and healthcare. Recent government data reported in August 2026 indicated that CERT-In had detected and mitigated more than 9.2 lakh incidents involving malicious scanning, probing and exploitation of vulnerable services targeting these sectors over roughly the previous one-and-a-half years.
A recent example also illustrates the scale of the challenge. In July 2026, customer data and internal documents from Bank of Baroda were reportedly leaked online after an employee email account was compromised. The bank said its core banking systems remained secure and that a forensic investigation was underway.
These incidents remind us that cybersecurity is not simply about protecting computers. It is about protecting people, identities, money and trust.
The AI factor
Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities—but it is also changing the cybersecurity threat landscape.
IBM’s 2026 Cost of a Data Breach Report found that the global average cost of a data breach reached a record US$4.99 million, while AI-driven attacks increased by 56% compared with the previous year. IBM also reported that one in four malicious breaches were AI-enabled, including attacks involving deepfake impersonation and AI-enabled malware.
This means cybercriminals can potentially create more convincing phishing messages, impersonate people and automate attacks at greater speed.
What about our personal data?
India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 establishes a legal framework for processing digital personal data while recognising individuals’ rights to protect their personal information.
However, laws and technology alone cannot guarantee complete safety.
Individuals also play an important role in protecting their information. Simple practices such as using strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, avoiding suspicious links, keeping devices updated and being careful about what information is shared online can significantly reduce personal risk.
Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.
The digital world offers enormous benefits, but convenience should not come at the cost of privacy.
Every time we click a link, download an application, share a document or provide personal information online, we are making a decision about our digital security.
The question is therefore not simply “Is our data safe?”
The better question is:
“What are we doing today to make our data safer tomorrow?”
In the digital age, cybersecurity is no longer the responsibility of IT departments alone. It is a shared responsibility between governments, organisations, technology companies and every individual who uses the internet.
References
- IBM – Cost of a Data Breach Report 2026 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report
- IBM – AI-driven cyberattacks and data breaches, 2026 IBM Cybersecurity Insights
- Government of India – Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
- Reuters – Bank of Baroda data leak, July 2026
