Top 10 Cyber Attacks in India
- Manisha Chaudhary
- Oct 7
- 4 min read
India’s digital transformation has been remarkable, but it has also made the country a prime target for cybercriminals. From data breaches to ransomware attacks, here are the top 10 cyber attacks in India that have had significant impacts on individuals, businesses, and national security.
Aadhaar Data Breach (2018)
Cosmos Bank Cyber Heist (2018)
WannaCry Ransomware Attack (2017)
BharatPay Data Breach (2022)
JustDial Data Breach (2019)
Unacademy Data Breach (2020)
Air India Data Breach (2021)
MobiKwik Data Leak (2021)
SBI Data Breach (2019)
Matrimonial Scam in Moradabad (2025)
Top 10 Cyber Attacks in India
1. Aadhaar Data Breach (2018)
In one of the most significant data breaches, over 1.1 billion Aadhaar records were compromised. Hackers gained unauthorized access to sensitive personal information, including biometric data, raising serious concerns about privacy and data security in India’s unique identification system.
2. Cosmos Bank Cyber Heist (2018)
Cybercriminals orchestrated a sophisticated attack on Pune’s Cosmos Bank, siphoning off ₹94 crore through unauthorized SWIFT transactions and ATM withdrawals. The breach exploited vulnerabilities in the bank’s systems, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures in financial institutions. STL Digital
3. WannaCry Ransomware Attack (2017)
The global WannaCry ransomware attack affected over 2 lakh computer systems in India, including banks and enterprises in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. The malware encrypted data, demanding ransom payments in Bitcoin, and exploited unpatched vulnerabilities in Windows operating systems. ccoe.dsci.in
4. BharatPay Data Breach (2022)
Fintech company BharatPay experienced a data breach exposing the personal data of around 37,000 users. Leaked information included usernames, hashed passwords, and transaction data from its backend database, underscoring vulnerabilities in the fintech sector. sattrix.com
5. JustDial Data Breach (2019)
In April 2019, JustDial, a local search service platform, faced a data breach compromising over 100 million users’ data. The leaked information included names, mobile numbers, email IDs, date of birth, gender, and addresses, which were made publicly available. Policybazaar
6. Unacademy Data Breach (2020)
Online education platform Unacademy disclosed a cyber breach that compromised the accounts of 22 million users. Data such as usernames, email addresses, and passwords were put on the dark web for sale, raising concerns about data protection in the edtech sector. Policybazaar
7. Air India Data Breach (2021)
National carrier Air India suffered a data breach affecting over 4.5 million passengers. The compromised data included personal information such as names, dates of birth, contact details, and passport information, highlighting vulnerabilities in the airline industry’s cybersecurity. Policybazaar
8. MobiKwik Data Leak (2021)
Digital wallet provider MobiKwik faced a data leak exposing the personal and financial information of over 10 crore users. The leaked data included names, phone numbers, email IDs, and transaction details, raising concerns about data security in mobile payment platforms. craw.in
9. SBI Data Breach (2019)
A security researcher revealed that the State Bank of India (SBI) had an unsecured server exposing sensitive customer data. The breach affected over 3 million customers, leading to a massive debit card replacement drive by the bank. Policybazaar
10. Matrimonial Scam in Moradabad (2025)
A cyber fraud racket involving over ₹100 crore was uncovered in Moradabad, with five individuals arrested, including a Nigerian national. The scam involved creating fake profiles on matrimonial and social media platforms, impersonating foreign doctors and customs officers to dupe victims under the guise of marriage proposals and gift deliveries from abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions :
1. What are the most significant cyber attacks in India?
Some of the most notable include the Aadhaar data breach (2018), Cosmos Bank cyber heist (2018), and the WannaCry ransomware attack (2017).
2. How was Aadhaar data breached in 2018?
Hackers gained unauthorized access to over 1.1 billion records, including sensitive biometric data, raising serious privacy concerns.
3. What happened in the Cosmos Bank cyber heist?
Cybercriminals stole ₹94 crore using unauthorized SWIFT transactions and ATM withdrawals in a highly coordinated cyberattack.
4. How does ransomware like WannaCry affect systems?
WannaCry encrypted files on infected systems and demanded ransom in Bitcoin, affecting numerous Indian institutions using outdated systems.
5. What industries are most targeted in India?
Banking, fintech, edtech, aviation, and government identity systems are among the top targets for cybercriminals in India.
6. How can I protect my business from cyber attacks?
Implement multi-layered cybersecurity protocols, conduct regular vulnerability assessments, and invest in employee training.
7. What is Craw Security and how can it help?
Craw Security offers cybersecurity training and services to help businesses and individuals defend against evolving cyber threats.
8. Are cyber attacks increasing in India?
Yes. As India’s digital landscape expands, the frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks are rising rapidly.
Conclusion
These cyber attacks underscore the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity measures across all sectors in India. As digital transformation accelerates, both individuals and organizations must prioritize data protection and stay vigilant against evolving cyber threats. In response to these rising challenges, Craw Security offers comprehensive cybersecurity training and services, empowering businesses and individuals to defend against cyber threats effectively. By staying ahead of the curve and adopting best practices in cybersecurity, we can collectively combat cybercrime and ensure a safer digital future.
For more information on how to safeguard your digital assets and stay protected, explore Craw Security’s expert-led courses and services. Visit Craw Security.
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