Over 265 million cyberattacks this year: Telangana plans to lead nation in cyber safety, says Sridhar Babu

Hyderabad: Telangana plans to position itself as a national leader in digital safety, IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu said at the Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC) Conclave 2025 on Thursday.

Addressing officials, industry representatives and law-enforcement leaders at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), he said the State has outlined a detailed strategy for cybersecurity in its long-term governance document, Telangana Rising Vision-2047.

Over 265 million cyberattacks in 2025

Pointing to national data, the Minister said India recorded over 265 million cyberattacks this year. He added that a study by a leading security firm indicated Telangana faced more than 17,000 ransomware attacks targeting both critical institutions and private companies last year.

Within Cyberabad alone, cyber offenders siphoned off over Rs 800 crore in the past year, he said, underscoring the growing financial impact of digital crime on citizens and businesses.

Call for shift in policing approach

Sridhar Babu said cybercriminals were expanding their methods faster than enforcement agencies could respond through traditional policing models.

“Cybercriminals are constantly adopting new methods, creating complex challenges for enforcement agencies,” he said.

He added that the State’s approach must shift from reactive investigation to systems that detect and prevent fraud.

“The focus must be on proactive mechanisms that prevent fraud before it occurs, not merely on post-incident responses,” he said.

Technology-led measures underway

The Minister said the government is working to upgrade its digital monitoring systems and data-sharing mechanisms across departments. The State is focusing on developing:

• Real-time monitoring systems

• Integrated data platforms

• Open-information tools

• Tech-driven public safety interventions

These measures, he said, are intended to strengthen the State’s ability to track threats and improve coordination during investigations.

Awareness among students

Sridhar Babu also said that cyber safety modules were being introduced in schools to build what he called a generation of ‘cyber-aware citizens’.

He said awareness at a younger age would be essential as digital usage continues to expand across sectors.

Officials, diplomats attend conclave

Thursday’s event brought together senior officials, including U.S. Consul General (Hyderabad) Laura Williams, ADGP Charu Sinha, Cyberabad Commissioner Avinash Mohanty and SCSC Secretary-General Ramesh Khaja. The sessions focused on trends in cybercrime, public–private cooperation and the preparedness of enforcement agencies.