Discuss the current major cyber threats facing India in 2025. Evaluate the effectiveness of existing government initiatives to combat these threats and suggest comprehensive strategies for strengthening India’s cybersecurity framework. (200 words) 📍 Introduction: ✅ Cybersecurity is crucial for protecting digital assets, data, and systems in an increasingly interconnected world. ✅ In 2024, the rise of cyber threats such as ransomware and phishing attacks has significantly impacted India’s digital landscape. 📍 Current Major Cyber Threats: ✅ Ransomware Attacks: Incidents like WannaCry have exposed critical sectors, causing significant financial damage. ✅ Phishing: Increasingly targeting banks, government systems, and businesses, leading to massive data theft. ✅ Cloud Security Vulnerabilities: Breaches like those in Amazon Web Services showcase risks in unprotected cloud environments. ✅ IoT Security Issues: Smart devices remain vulnerable to attacks, making homes and enterprises easy targets. ✅ Supply Chain Attacks: High-profile incidents, such as the SolarWinds hack, demonstrate the growing threat to interconnected software. ✅ Crypto Crimes: Growing thefts and fraud within the cryptocurrency market, spurring significant financial losses. ✅ Deepfake Technology: The misuse of deepfakes in politics and business is a growing concern. ✅ Shortage of Cybersecurity Professionals: A 30% shortage of trained cybersecurity experts limits response effectiveness. ✅ Honey Traps: Increasing incidents of cyber espionage targeting individuals for financial or political gain. 📍 Government Initiatives: ✅ National Cyber Security Policy and CERT-In are pivotal in setting national standards and responding to cyber threats. ✅ Cyber Surakshit Bharat has led to raising awareness but remains limited by infrastructure gaps and uncoordinated enforcement. 📍 Suggestions for Improvement: ✅ Strengthen public-private partnerships for advanced threat detection and response. ✅ Invest in digital literacy programs to raise awareness and reduce vulnerability. ✅ Implement IoT and cloud security frameworks to secure emerging technologies. ✅ Develop targeted programs to attract cybersecurity professionals to fill the talent gap. 📍 Way Forward: ✅ India must prioritize a robust cybersecurity infrastructure, integrating new technologies and strategies to combat emerging threats. ✅ A coordinated national effort is critical to fortify defenses and mitigate the growing digital threat landscape.