Karnataka Cybercrime Surge: ₹2,915 Crore Lost in 2024.

Bengaluru, once hailed as India’s IT capital, is now grappling with a significant rise in cybercrime. In the first eight months of 2024 alone, residents lost ₹1,242.7 crore to cyber fraud, contributing to a staggering total of ₹2,915 crore across the state—an average loss of nearly ₹8 crore daily.

Recent cybersecurity reports indicate that Karnataka has become a major hotspot for digital attacks, with cybercriminals employing various tactics against individuals and institutions. As larger corporations bolster their defenses, hackers are increasingly targeting smaller towns and vulnerable government departments.

Top Targets: Healthcare, Finance, and Hospitality

A national study revealed that healthcare (21.8%), hospitality (19.6%), and banking & finance (17.4%) sectors are the most attacked in India, a trend reflected in Karnataka. For example, a cyberattack on 12 private nursing homes in Bengaluru last November paralyzed their operations, as attackers encrypted patient records and demanded ransoms. In another case, hackers exploited a loan app's vulnerabilities to alter repayment details and redirect funds.

Government systems are also at risk, with a hacker known as “Sriki” reportedly infiltrating a key state e-governance portal for nearly four months before detection.