As the CEO of IntelliFreight, a company that powers freight logistics with AI-driven software, I’ve spent 23 years in the transportation and logistics sector, witnessing firsthand how technology transforms operations—and how vulnerabilities in those technologies can cripple them. In India, where digital infrastructure is the backbone of industries like logistics, finance, and defense, cybersecurity is no longer a technical footnote; it’s a national imperative. During times of geopolitical tension—whether border skirmishes or broader war-like scenarios—cyber threats escalate, targeting critical infrastructure and businesses alike. Today, I want to unpack the state of cybersecurity in India, highlight recent threats, and urge B2B leaders to act before it’s too late.
The Rising Tide of Cyber Threats in India
India’s digital landscape is booming. With over 900 million internet users and initiatives like Digital India, we’re a global tech hub. But this growth makes us a prime target. In 2023 alone, India faced over 79 million phishing attacks, ranking third globally behind the US and UK. The first quarter of 2024 saw 500 million cyberattacks, a 46% surge from the previous year. Projections are grim: by 2033, India could face 1 trillion attacks annually, potentially escalating to 17 trillion by 2047 if unchecked. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they signal a growing battlefield in cyberspace.
During war times or heightened tensions, such as recent border disputes with neighboring countries, cyberattacks intensify. In May 2025, posts on X reported Pakistan-backed hackers targeting Indian defense websites, including Military Engineering Services and MP-IDSA, stealing credentials and defacing platforms. These incidents, while unverified, reflect a pattern: state-sponsored or hacktivist groups exploit geopolitical flashpoints to disrupt critical systems. In 2023, during India’s G20 presidency, cyberattacks on government institutions spiked, with 30.96 million attack attempts detected in August alone. Sectors like finance, automotive, and education are under siege, but logistics—my domain—is equally vulnerable.
Why War Times Amplify Cyber Risks
Geopolitical tensions turn cyberspace into a proxy warzone. Adversaries, whether state actors or hacktivists, aim to destabilize economies and sow chaos. In 2020, a cyber espionage campaign called Operation SideCopy, linked to Pakistan, targeted Indian military personnel with phishing and malware. In 2021, a China-linked group infiltrated India’s power sector, planting malware that could trigger outages. These aren’t isolated incidents. During conflicts, attackers prioritize critical infrastructure—power grids, transportation networks, and communication systems—because disrupting them has a multiplier effect. A single breach in a logistics platform like IntelliFreight could halt supply chains, delaying essential goods and undermining national resilience.
The sophistication of attacks is evolving. AI-enabled phishing, polymorphic malware, and deepfakes make detection harder. In 2023, the finance sector saw a 393% surge in phishing attempts, with attackers mimicking brands like Microsoft and Amazon. Logistics firms face similar risks, as attackers exploit interconnected systems to steal data or disrupt operations. The 2024 WazirX breach, where hackers stole $230 million from a multisig wallet, shows how even fortified systems can fall. In war times, these threats aren’t just financial—they’re strategic, aimed at weakening India’s operational backbone.
The Logistics Sector: A Soft Target
At IntelliFreight, we use AI to optimize freight routes, predict demand, and cut costs. But every connected device, API, or cloud service is a potential entry point for hackers. Logistics is a soft target because it’s both critical and complex. A single compromised server can expose shipment data, delay deliveries, or even divert goods to illicit networks. In war times, such disruptions could cripple supply lines for food, fuel, or medical supplies. The 2022 RailYatri breach, which compromised 30 million user records, underscores the sector’s vulnerability. If a ticketing platform can be hit, imagine the fallout from a freight management system breach.
The rise of hacktivism adds another layer. Groups like Pakistan Cyber Force, as reported on X in May 2025, defaced Indian government websites, exploiting tensions post-Operation Sindoor. These attacks often aim for publicity but can inadvertently expose sensitive data. For logistics firms, the stakes are higher: a defaced platform could erode client trust, while stolen data could fuel extortion or espionage.
Lessons from Recent Incidents
Let’s look at recent cyberattacks to understand the playbook. The 2022 AIIMS ransomware attack paralyzed hospital operations, highlighting the need for secure backups. The 2023 BharatPay breach exposed 37,000 users’ data, showing how backend vulnerabilities can be exploited. The 2024 surge in attacks on financial institutions, as noted by the Reserve Bank of India, underscores the risks of rapid digitization without robust defenses. These incidents reveal common threads: outdated systems, weak employee training, and delayed incident response.
In war times, the intent shifts from profit to disruption. The 2020 Mumbai power outage, linked to suspected cyberattacks, showed how infrastructure can be targeted to create chaos. Logistics firms must assume they’re on the radar, especially if they support defense or essential services. The 2023 DSCI report noted a 278% rise in state-sponsored attacks over three years, a trend likely to worsen during conflicts.
A Call to Action for B2B Leaders
Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a business survival issue. Here’s what B2B leaders, especially in logistics, must do now:
- Adopt Zero-Trust Architecture: Assume every user, device, and connection is a potential threat. Implement multi-factor authentication and continuous monitoring. At IntelliFreight, we’ve reduced breach risks by 40% since adopting zero-trust.
- Invest in AI-Driven Defense: Use AI to detect unusual network patterns, as the US and China do. Tools like GenAI can analyze threats in real-time, cutting response times. This is critical when attacks spike during tensions.
- Train Employees Relentlessly: Human error causes 25% of breaches. Regular training on phishing and social engineering is non-negotiable. We run quarterly simulations at IntelliFreight to keep staff vigilant.
- Secure the Supply Chain: Vet third-party vendors rigorously. A 2024 PwC report flagged supply chain vulnerabilities as a top concern. Ensure partners adhere to strict cybersecurity standards.
- Prepare for Incident Response: Have a tested response plan. The AIIMS attack showed that delays amplify damage. Regular audits and backups can minimize downtime.
- Advocate for Policy Reform: India’s IT Act of 2000 is outdated. Push for stronger laws, like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, to regulate AI-driven breaches and enforce penalties.
The Road Ahead
India’s cybersecurity landscape is at a crossroads. The National Cyber Security Policy is due for an overhaul, and initiatives like the Cyber Warrior Initiative aim to address talent shortages. But businesses can’t wait for policy to catch up. At IntelliFreight, we’ve learned that proactive defense—blending technology, training, and vigilance—is the only way to stay ahead. In war times, the cost of inaction is catastrophic: disrupted supply chains, compromised data, and eroded trust.
As B2B leaders, we must treat cybersecurity as a strategic priority, not a checkbox. The threats are real, growing, and amplified by geopolitical tensions. Let’s fortify our defenses, protect our industries, and ensure India’s digital resilience. The time to act is now—because in cyberspace, the next attack is always closer than you think.
Sources: Zscaler ThreatLabz 2024 Phishing Report, Prahar’s ‘The Invisible Hand’ report, DSCI India Cyber Security Threat Report, PwC India 2024 Global Digital Trust Insights, posts on X (May 2025).