Karnataka is facing an alarming rise in cybercrime, with financial losses crossing ₹2,915 crore in just the first eight months of 2024. Bengaluru alone accounted for over ₹1,242.7 crore, revealing the severe toll digital fraud has taken on India’s IT capital. On average, the state is losing nearly ₹8 crore daily to cyber scams.
Reports indicate that Karnataka is now among the top targets for cyberattacks in India, ranging from banking fraud to sophisticated ransomware strikes. Hackers are increasingly exploiting smaller towns and poorly protected government systems, shifting focus as large companies improve their defenses.
Healthcare, finance, and public portals under threat
Recent studies show that healthcare (21.8%), hospitality (19.6%), and the banking and finance sector (17.4%) are among the most frequently attacked industries—trends that mirror Karnataka’s experience. In one major incident, 12 private nursing homes in Bengaluru were locked out of their systems by malware, disrupting patient care and billing.
Government portals have also been compromised. A hacker known as “Sriki” reportedly infiltrated a major e-governance system for nearly four months without detection, raising concerns about undetected intrusions across public infrastructure.
Also read: Google Pulls 350+ Apps Over Global Ad Fraud Scheme
New policy push and response mechanisms
Until mid-2024, Karnataka operated without a dedicated state-level cybersecurity policy. The absence of coordinated digital defense left departments exposed, with outdated infrastructure and poor cyber hygiene practices, such as lax email vetting and unmonitored software updates.
In response, the state launched a Cyber Security Policy in August 2024, introducing a cybercrime cell under a DGP, and rolling out training programs for government staff. A Cyber Command Unit with a Quick Response Team (QRT) is also being formed to tackle high-risk incidents swiftly.
Over 46,000 law enforcement personnel have received training since 2019 through a specialised Cybercrime Investigation Training Institute. Authorities are also working with payment platforms and telecom firms to establish early warning systems and improve breach detection.
While policy updates signal progress, experts caution that true protection requires consistent awareness, infrastructure upgrades, and a culture of cyber vigilance across all levels of governance.
