Cybersecurity agency CERT-In flags spike in online threats

Amid escalating conflict between India and Pakistan over last weekend, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has sounded out a sharp increase in cyber threats targeting businesses and government systems.

The nodal cybersecurity agency under the Ministry of IT has issued a fresh set of security advisories, particularly aimed at Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“CERT-In has detected a surge in cyber threats encompass ransomware attacks, DDoS incidents, website defacements, data breaches, and malware infections. These attack vectors, whether executed individually or in combination, pose a significant risk to the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of systems and services,” it said in a public advisory dated May 10.


The nodal cybersecurity agency under the Ministry of IT has issued a fresh set of security advisories, particularly aimed at Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Recognising the limited resources and digital vulnerabilities of smaller enterprises, CERT-In has specifically called on MSMEs to implement cost-effective but robust cybersecurity protocols. "Given the constrained resources, MSMEs must adopt safeguards that are not only budget-conscious but also technically sound to ensure business continuity and protect sensitive data," another notification dated May 9 read.

CERT-In has warned that organisations must stay vigilant and adopt proactive measures to mitigate potential risks.

The agency’s alert underscores the need for organisations, especially small businesses that often lack dedicated cybersecurity teams, to prioritise baseline measures such as regular software patching, network monitoring, endpoint protection, and employee awareness programs.