Latest news with #StateofCybersecurityReport2025
Entrepreneur
7 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Espionage Emerges as Top Cyber Threat in 2025: Industry Leaders Weigh In
In 2025, government bodies accounted for 42% of all nation-state attack targets, up from 39% in 2023 Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In an alarming trend, espionage has become the most dominant form of cyberattack globally in 2025, accounting for 86 per cent of all nation-state cyberattacks, according to Wipro's State of Cybersecurity Report 2025. This marks a steady rise from 82 per cent in 2023, signalling how cyber operations are becoming an increasingly strategic tool of statecraft. The report highlights a disturbing shift in the global cyber threat landscape, with government entities being the most targeted, followed by the private sector and civil society. In 2025, government bodies accounted for 42 per cent of all nation-state attack targets, up from 39 per cent in 2023 and 30 per cent in 2021. The private sector also remained vulnerable, holding steady at 32 per cent of attacks since 2023. Civil society accounted for 18 per cent, and military institutions 8 per cent. "This overwhelming focus on espionage shows that nation-state actors are playing the long game—embedding themselves within networks to quietly extract strategic information," said Rahil Patel, Chief Growth Officer at QNu Labs. "The future lies in prevention at the protocol level, not just monitoring at the perimeter. We need to move from resilience after breach to immunity before breach." Also, China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea have emerged as the key aggressor states behind these sophisticated cyber intrusions. India's growing exposure and preparedness gap India remains a top target, with critical infrastructure such as finance, energy, healthcare, and government services repeatedly coming under attack. According to CERT-In, over 1.3 million cybersecurity incidents were reported in 2022 alone. Srinivas Shekar, Founder and CEO of Pantherun Technologies, remarked, "Cyber operations have become integral to modern statecraft. In India, threat actors continue to exploit sectoral vulnerabilities. Strengthening our defences requires continuous monitoring, cross-sector collaboration, and skilled manpower." However, Neehar Pathare, MD, CEO and CIO at 63SATS Cybertech, believes that India's fragmented cyber defence framework is not keeping pace with the rising threat. "There are critical gaps—fragmented frameworks, inconsistent incident reporting, and a lack of unified cyber response," said Pathare. "A centralised Threat Intelligence and Monitoring Response Centre integrating CERT-In, sectoral CSIRTs, and corporate SOCs is vital." Budget and investment challenges Despite the rising stakes, India's cybersecurity budget remains relatively modest. Shekar said that in 2023, the government allocated INR 515 crore (USD 62 million) under the Ministry of Electronics and IT. In contrast, the U.S. Cyber Command's budget request stood at USD 3.3 billion for FY2024. He estimated that a robust, integrated national cyber defence system, encompassing infrastructure, personnel training, and threat detection, would require an initial investment of INR 2,000 to INR 5,000 crore. This figure does not include ongoing costs for upskilling and operational support. Tony Buffomante, SVP & Global Head – Cybersecurity & Risk Services, Wipro, echoed the same: "Cybersecurity budgets are struggling to keep pace with growing threat sophistication. AI helps strengthen defences while optimising costs. CISOs must focus on risk-adjusted returns on investment." Towards quantum-safe and collaborative defence With attacks becoming stealthier and longer-term, there is a growing push for next-generation defences. Quantum-safe security solutions are gaining traction, as traditional encryption methods may not survive future quantum computing capabilities. "There's an over-reliance on legacy encryption. We need a national migration path to quantum-resilient encryption—complemented by policy mandates and sector-specific blueprints," said Patel. He added, "This is not just a technical upgrade, it is a strategic imperative for digital sovereignty. Startups, research labs, and government bodies must collaborate, not work in silos." Public-private partnerships also need to evolve. Rather than acting as vendors, tech firms and government bodies must co-develop secure systems and protocols. Protecting democracy in the digital age The growing targeting of civil society (18 per cent) and military institutions (8 per cent) is not only a security concern, it is a threat to democratic stability. "Securing democracy in the digital age means investing in infrastructure that cannot be undermined by time or tech advances," said Patel. "The quantum threat is borderless; so too must be our response."
Business Upturn
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
CISOs Increasingly Rely on AI to Navigate Cost Pressures and Enhance Resilience: Wipro Report
East Brunswick, N.J., United States & Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading technology services and consulting company, today released its 'State of Cybersecurity Report 2025.' The report underscores the growing importance of integrating AI into cybersecurity operations at a time of mounting cost pressures and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. The report surveyed over 100 global cybersecurity leaders and consultants and found that AI-driven automation and cost optimization were among the main cybersecurity priorities for organizations. In fact, 30 percent of respondents state that investing in AI automation to bolster cybersecurity operations and reduce costs is a top priority. Other strategies used by CISOs to optimize costs include tools rationalization (26 percent), security and risk management process optimization (23 percent) and operating model simplification (20 percent). The report also highlights the growing role of AI in managing cyber threats and how investing in advanced AI-driven security solutions, continuously monitoring AI developments, and fostering a culture of innovation and adaptation within cybersecurity teams can play a significant role in risk management. Many CISOs are leveraging AI to improve threat detection and response times (31 percent) and to build enhanced incident response capabilities (24 percent). This focus on AI to manage threats is only topped by implementing Zero Trust security frameworks, which is a top investment priority for 97 percent of survey respondents. 'Cybersecurity budgets are struggling to keep pace with the growing sophistication of cyber threats,' said Tony Buffomante, SVP & Global Head — Cybersecurity & Risk Services, Wipro Limited. 'AI offers a solution by helping organizations strengthen defenses while optimizing costs. This allows CISOs to adopt a more outcome-driven focus by prioritizing risk-adjusted returns on investments. 'Wipro's proven consulting-led approach and partnerships in the AI ecosystem and innovation network unlock opportunities to strengthen defenses while optimizing costs. We are helping clients build AI-powered cybersecurity operations that enable them to transform risks into opportunities and achieve a cyber resilient future,' Buffomante concluded. According to the report, to leverage AI for cyber resilience across the organization, CISOs must work with their peers to get the correct data governance in place. They must also set up regular comprehensive cybersecurity training programs for all employees. Read the full findings of the report here. About Wipro Limited Advertisement Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading technology services and consulting company focused on building innovative solutions that address clients' most complex digital transformation needs. Leveraging our holistic portfolio of capabilities in consulting, design, engineering, and operations, we help clients realize their boldest ambitions and build future-ready, sustainable businesses. With over 230,000 employees and business partners across 65 countries, we deliver on the promise of helping our customers, colleagues, and communities thrive in an ever-changing world. For additional information, visit us at Forward-Looking Statements The forward-looking statements contained herein represent Wipro's beliefs regarding future events, many of which are by their nature, inherently uncertain and outside Wipro's control. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Wipro's growth prospects, its future financial operating results, and its plans, expectations and intentions. Wipro cautions readers that the forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in our earnings, revenue and profits, our ability to generate and manage growth, complete proposed corporate actions, intense competition in IT services, our ability to maintain our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which we make strategic investments, withdrawal of fiscal governmental incentives, political instability, war, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our business and industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, Annual Reports on Form 20-F. These filings are available at We may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf. Click here for Media Contact Details Submit your press release Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Business Wire
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
CISOs Increasingly Rely on AI to Navigate Cost Pressures and Enhance Resilience: Wipro Report
EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. & BENGALURU, India--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading technology services and consulting company, today released its " State of Cybersecurity Report 2025." The report underscores the growing importance of integrating AI into cybersecurity operations at a time of mounting cost pressures and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. The report surveyed over 100 global cybersecurity leaders and consultants and found that AI-driven automation and cost optimization were among the main cybersecurity priorities for organizations. In fact, 30 percent of respondents state that investing in AI automation to bolster cybersecurity operations and reduce costs is a top priority. Other strategies used by CISOs to optimize costs include tools rationalization (26 percent), security and risk management process optimization (23 percent) and operating model simplification (20 percent). The report also highlights the growing role of AI in managing cyber threats and how investing in advanced AI-driven security solutions, continuously monitoring AI developments, and fostering a culture of innovation and adaptation within cybersecurity teams can play a significant role in risk management. Many CISOs are leveraging AI to improve threat detection and response times (31 percent) and to build enhanced incident response capabilities (24 percent). This focus on AI to manage threats is only topped by implementing Zero Trust security frameworks, which is a top investment priority for 97 percent of survey respondents. 'Cybersecurity budgets are struggling to keep pace with the growing sophistication of cyber threats,' said Tony Buffomante, SVP & Global Head — Cybersecurity & Risk Services, Wipro Limited. 'AI offers a solution by helping organizations strengthen defenses while optimizing costs. This allows CISOs to adopt a more outcome-driven focus by prioritizing risk-adjusted returns on investments. 'Wipro's proven consulting-led approach and partnerships in the AI ecosystem and innovation network unlock opportunities to strengthen defenses while optimizing costs. We are helping clients build AI-powered cybersecurity operations that enable them to transform risks into opportunities and achieve a cyber resilient future,' Buffomante concluded. According to the report, to leverage AI for cyber resilience across the organization, CISOs must work with their peers to get the correct data governance in place. They must also set up regular comprehensive cybersecurity training programs for all employees. Read the full findings of the report here. About Wipro Limited Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading technology services and consulting company focused on building innovative solutions that address clients' most complex digital transformation needs. Leveraging our holistic portfolio of capabilities in consulting, design, engineering, and operations, we help clients realize their boldest ambitions and build future-ready, sustainable businesses. With over 230,000 employees and business partners across 65 countries, we deliver on the promise of helping our customers, colleagues, and communities thrive in an ever-changing world. For additional information, visit us at Forward-Looking Statements The forward-looking statements contained herein represent Wipro's beliefs regarding future events, many of which are by their nature, inherently uncertain and outside Wipro's control. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Wipro's growth prospects, its future financial operating results, and its plans, expectations and intentions. Wipro cautions readers that the forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in our earnings, revenue and profits, our ability to generate and manage growth, complete proposed corporate actions, intense competition in IT services, our ability to maintain our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which we make strategic investments, withdrawal of fiscal governmental incentives, political instability, war, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our business and industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, Annual Reports on Form 20-F. These filings are available at We may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf.
Mid East Info
27-01-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
6 Cyber Security Challenges Emerge from World Economic Forum, Check Point Research on 2025 Threats - Middle East Business News and Information
6 Cyber Security Challenges Emerge from World Economic Forum, Check Point Research on 2025 Threats – Vasily Dyagilev, Regional Director, Middle East, RCIS at Check Point Software Technologies As we step into 2025, the cyber security landscape continues to be as complex as ever for security leaders looking to protect their organizations from increasingly injurious cyber threats. The World Economic Forum (WEF) detailed some of the most challenging threats in its Global Cyber security Outlook 2025, with some critical areas of concern mirroring those in our own State of Cyber security Report 2025. Both reports emphasize the growing sophistication of cyber threats, the integration of emerging technologies to make cyber threats harder to detect and deter, and the outsized influence of global geopolitical factors influencing cyber security threats. Following are six trends and areas of emphasis that both the WEF and Check Point Research see as critical challenges for cyber security leaders in 2025 and beyond. 1. Geopolitical Tensions and Cyber security Strategy According to WEF research, nearly 60% of organizations report that geopolitical tensions have directly influenced their cyber security planning. The increasing use of AI in cyber warfare, particularly for disinformation campaigns, is creating new challenges. Check Point Research reported that nation-state actors are employing AI tools to amplify fake news, create deepfakes, and manipulate public opinion. As these technologies become more advanced and widely used, the ability to manipulate media, elections, and public sentiment is growing, making it harder to differentiate between truth and fictitious content. State-affiliated hacktivism is also becoming a more serious issue. Cyber attacks are increasingly being used as a tool to further geopolitical agendas, leading our researchers to concluded more sophisticated and sustained cyber conflicts with long-term impacts may soon become the norm. 2. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities and Ecosystem Risks Both our report and WEF researchers highlight supply chain vulnerabilities as one of the top cyber security risks for organizations. The increasing complexity and interdependencies of global supply chains, alongside a lack of visibility into the security practices of third-party vendors, has made supply chain attacks a critical hot spot for cyber criminals. Fifty-four percent of large organizations identified supply chain risks as a major barrier to cyber resilience, according to the WEF report. This is further compounded by a marked shift in ransomware tactics with cyber criminals now stealing sensitive data (data exfiltration) and threatening to release it, further ratcheting up pressure on businesses. The healthcare, financial services, and education sectors will be most impacted by these threat strategies 3. AI-Driven Threats and Vulnerabilities AI is transforming the cyber security landscape in both positive and negative ways. While AI offers significant potential for improving security systems, its adoption is also introducing new vulnerabilities that are only just starting to emerge onto the scene. The WEF reports that 66% of organizations expect AI to have the greatest impact on cyber security in 2025, yet only 37% have processes in place to assess the security of AI tools before deployment – a large risk for these organizations. Generative AI, in particular, is enhancing cyber criminal capabilities, enabling more sophisticated social engineering attacks and an increase in phishing attempts. Our research looks at AI in terms of its use in amplifying cyber warfare, particularly in disinformation campaigns and data manipulation. As AI continues to evolve, it will be critical for cyber security strategies to address both the defensive and offensive capabilities of this technology. 4. Edge Device Vulnerabilities Security professionals know that the cloud edge presents an area of unique vulnerability for bad actors. And in 2025 both WEF and Check Point Research note edge devices, including IoT devices and remote work hardware, as an area of increased intrusion and exploit. Our research predicts a rise in zero-day vulnerabilities in edge devices, which can be less secure and harder to monitor than network-connected or cloud-based endpoints. 5. Rising Compliance Challenges and Regulatory Fragmentation With the proliferation of cyber regulations worldwide, compliance has become a top concern for cyber leaders – and a major burden. WEF research notes that fragmented regulations across jurisdictions have become a significant challenge, with 76% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) reporting difficulty maintaining compliance. While regulations are important for improving cyber security posture and building trust, their lack of harmonization creates significant complexity for organizations operating across multiple regions, especially for organizations with a deep security stack. While our research didn't touch upon compliance as a major challenge in and of itself, we did note that the growing complexity of managing hybrid cloud environments, and the risks of misconfigured cloud settings can expose sensitive data – a huge back door for skilled attackers. 6. Cyber Skills Gap and Workforce Challenges A major theme in both reports is the widening cyber security skills gap. WEC research found that two-thirds of organizations report moderate-to-critical skills gaps, making it difficult to meet security demands. Additionally, 49% of public-sector organizations indicated a shortage of necessary cyber security talent, a figure that has increased by 33% from 2024. This shortage is now being compounded by the rapid adoption of new technologies (including AI) which require specialized skills to properly assess and implement secure systems. Our own research acknowledged this critical skills gap – adding another layer to the message that a prevention-first approach to stopping threats from entering the network would go far in alleviating this harrowing situation for the industry. Fewer SOC false positives and fewer threats that bypass an organization's cyber stack mean fewer security professionals to respond to alerts and threats. Both reports make it clear that cyber security in 2025 is becoming increasingly complex, driven by geopolitical tensions, AI advancements, supply chain vulnerabilities, and a growing threat from cyber criminals. As organizations face more sophisticated and targeted attacks, from ransomware and AI-driven cyber warfare to info-stealers and edge device vulnerabilities, a proactive and prevention-first approach is essential. Investing in emerging technologies, securing the workforce, and staying ahead of regulatory changes will be critical to ensuring resilience in the face of these challenges. By understanding and responding to these key cyber security trends, organizations can better prepare for the risks that lie ahead, safeguarding their operations, data, and reputation from the next wave of cyber threats.
