India's digital surface has expanded faster than its identity hygiene. Looking at the largest publicly-documented cyber attacks against Indian institutions reveals systemic patterns — not isolated failures. This is the first of three articles examining cybersecurity in India.
Major Cyber Attacks Covered
UIDAI Aadhaar Software Hacked
Billion Indian Aadhaar card details were leaked in 2018. Around 210 Indian Government websites were compromised. Details included Aadhaar, PAN, bank account IFSC codes, and personal information sold for ₹500 via WhatsApp, with printouts available for ₹300.
ATM System Hacked
Canara Bank ATM servers were targeted around mid-2018. According to sources, more than 300 user's ATM details were hacked by attackers and ₹20 lakh wiped off various bank accounts. Hackers used skimming devices to steal information.
SIM Swap Scam
Two hackers from Navi Mumbai fraudulently gained SIM card information and illegally transferred ₹4 crore from bank accounts in August 2018.
Union Bank of India Cyber-attack
An employee opened a malicious email attachment in July 2017. The email attachment forged a central bank email. Hackers stole SWIFT access codes and transferred $170 million to a Citigroup account in New York.
Cosmos Bank Cyber Attack
A 2018 cyberattack on Cosmos bank saw hackers siphon off ₹94.42 crore. Hackers accessed the ATM server, stole card details, and withdrew funds from 28 countries.
Security Solutions
The article promotes FIDO2 authentication standards: "uses public-key cryptography to protect from phishing attacks and is the only phishing-proof factor available."
AmbiSecure products combine "hardware-based authentication and public key cryptography to effectively defend against phishing attacks and eliminate account takeovers."
Key advantages include no battery or network connectivity requirements.
About Ambimat Electronics
With design experience of close to 4 decades, world-class talent, and innovative breakthroughs, Ambimat Electronics is a single-stop solution enabler to leading PSUs, private sector companies, and start-ups. Solutions include AmbiPay, AmbiPower, AmbiCon, AmbiSecure, AmbiSense, and AmbiAutomation.