India is significantly strengthening its cyber security infrastructure by deploying AI-powered cyber defence systems to counter the rapidly growing threat of artificial intelligence-enabled cyberattacks. As cybercriminals increasingly leverage AI to launch sophisticated phishing campaigns, malware attacks, deepfake scams, and large-scale digital intrusions, the Central Government has expanded its cybersecurity framework with advanced AI-based monitoring, automated threat intelligence sharing, and enhanced vulnerability assessment mechanisms.
The latest measures were detailed by Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada in a written reply presented in the Lok Sabha on July 29, where the government outlined the legal, administrative, and technological initiatives being implemented to improve India’s cyber resilience against AI-driven threats.
The announcement reflects the government’s broader commitment to creating a secure, trusted, and resilient digital ecosystem as India continues its rapid digital transformation across governance, finance, healthcare, education, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure.
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Government Strengthens AI-Based Cyber Security Framework
Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising industries worldwide, but it is also transforming the cyber threat landscape. Cybercriminals are increasingly using AI to automate attacks, create convincing phishing emails, develop adaptive malware, and generate realistic deepfake content capable of deceiving individuals and organisations.
Recognising these emerging risks, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has introduced multiple initiatives aimed at detecting, preventing, and responding to AI-enabled cyber threats.
According to Minister Jitin Prasada, the government has adopted a multi-layered cybersecurity strategy combining:
- Advanced AI-powered detection systems
- Automated vulnerability assessments
- Enhanced cyber threat intelligence sharing
- Cybersecurity capacity building
- Updated technical guidelines
- Legal and administrative safeguards
These measures are designed to ensure India’s digital infrastructure remains resilient against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
CERT-In Deploys AI-Based Threat Detection Systems
At the centre of India’s cyber defence strategy is the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), the national agency responsible for responding to cybersecurity incidents.
CERT-In has significantly upgraded its operational capabilities by deploying AI-driven situational awareness systems capable of identifying malicious digital activities before they cause widespread damage.
The AI-powered platform continuously analyses internet traffic, suspicious domains, and phishing campaigns to identify emerging cyber threats in real time.
The system helps detect:
- Malicious websites
- Fraudulent domains
- Phishing campaigns
- Suspicious online infrastructure
- Emerging malware activity
- AI-assisted cyberattack patterns
By automating large portions of cyber threat detection, CERT-In can respond faster to incidents and issue timely alerts to affected organisations.
AI-Enabled Vulnerability Assessments Improve Security
One of the government’s major initiatives involves expanding AI-assisted vulnerability assessments of public-facing digital assets.
Instead of relying solely on traditional manual testing, CERT-In now uses AI-powered tools to examine websites, applications, and digital infrastructure operating in secure sandbox environments.
These automated assessments help identify:
- Software vulnerabilities
- Security misconfigurations
- Potential attack vectors
- Weak authentication mechanisms
- Exposure to AI-assisted attacks
By detecting weaknesses before attackers exploit them, organisations can strengthen their cyber defences more effectively.
This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of successful cyber intrusions into government systems and critical infrastructure.
Automated Threat Intelligence Sharing Across Sectors
Cybersecurity depends heavily on timely information sharing.
To improve national cyber preparedness, CERT-In operates an automated cyber threat intelligence exchange platform that distributes customised alerts and threat intelligence to organisations across multiple sectors.
The platform allows participating organisations to receive:
- Threat alerts
- Indicators of compromise
- Malware signatures
- Phishing intelligence
- Emerging attack trends
- Recommended mitigation measures
This collaborative intelligence-sharing model enables organisations to take preventive action before attacks spread across networks.
Government officials believe faster information exchange plays a critical role in limiting the impact of AI-driven cyber incidents.
Nationwide Cyber Security Exercises Focus on AI Threats
Beyond deploying technology, the government has also intensified cyber preparedness through large-scale simulation exercises.
During June and July this year, CERT-In conducted 10 specialised cyber security exercises and drills under the theme:
“Building Resilience against Frontier AI-driven Cyber Threats.”
The exercises were designed to help organisations understand how AI-powered attacks may evolve and how coordinated incident response can minimise damage.
According to the government:
- 10 cyber security exercises were conducted.
- 1,470 participants took part.
- 345 government and private organisations participated.
The exercises covered organisations from several critical sectors, including:
- Power
- Telecommunications
- Banking and financial services
- Transport
- Education
- Healthcare
- Space
- Government departments
Participants practised responding to simulated cyberattacks involving AI-enabled phishing, ransomware, malware, and infrastructure compromise.
Such exercises help improve coordination between agencies while testing incident response capabilities under realistic conditions.
Building AI Cyber Security Expertise Through CSPAI Programme
Technology alone cannot secure digital systems without skilled professionals.
To address the growing demand for AI cybersecurity expertise, CERT-In partnered with SISA to launch the Certified Security Professional in Artificial Intelligence (CSPAI) programme in September 2024.
The certification programme aims to prepare cybersecurity professionals for emerging AI-related risks by providing specialised training in:
- AI security principles
- AI risk assessment
- Protection of machine learning systems
- AI governance
- Incident response for AI attacks
- Secure AI deployment
As Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into public services and business operations, demand for professionals capable of securing AI systems continues to grow.
The CSPAI initiative seeks to create a skilled workforce capable of defending India’s expanding AI ecosystem.
CERT-In Issues Comprehensive AI Security Guidelines
Alongside technological upgrades and training programmes, CERT-In has released multiple advisories and technical frameworks over the past three years covering the safe use of AI-Powered Artificial Intelligence.
These guidelines address several emerging cybersecurity challenges.
AI-Assisted Vulnerability Protection
The government has provided recommendations for identifying vulnerabilities that may be exploited using AI-assisted attack techniques.
Responsible Use of Generative AI
With generative AI tools becoming widely accessible, CERT-In has published guidance encouraging responsible adoption while minimising security and privacy risks.
Defence Against Deepfakes
Deepfake technology has become one of the fastest-growing cyber risks globally.
The government’s advisories include measures to detect manipulated audio, video, and images used for fraud, misinformation, and identity theft.
AI-Assisted Cyber Risks
CERT-In has issued technical guidance explaining how cybercriminals are increasingly using AI to automate attacks and bypass traditional security controls.
Software Bill of Materials (SBOM)
The government has also promoted the use of Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs), enabling organisations to better understand software components and identify vulnerabilities within supply chains.
Smart City AI Security
As Indian cities increasingly adopt AI-enabled surveillance, traffic management, and digital governance platforms, CERT-In has issued specialised security recommendations for smart city infrastructure.
Why AI Has Become a Cyber Security Challenge
Artificial Intelligence is changing both sides of the cybersecurity equation.
While governments and security professionals use AI to detect threats more quickly, cybercriminals are also leveraging AI to make attacks faster, cheaper, and more difficult to identify.
Modern AI-assisted cyberattacks may include:
- Highly personalised phishing emails
- AI-generated malware
- Automated password attacks
- Intelligent ransomware
- Deepfake impersonation scams
- Fake voice and video calls
- AI-assisted social engineering
- Automated vulnerability discovery
Unlike traditional attacks, AI-enabled cybercrime can continuously adapt to defensive measures, making it increasingly difficult for organisations to detect and stop malicious activity using conventional tools alone.
This evolving threat landscape has prompted governments worldwide to invest heavily in AI-powered cyber defence technologies.
India’s Expanding Digital Ecosystem Requires Stronger Protection
India’s digital economy has expanded rapidly over the past decade through initiatives such as Digital India, widespread digital payments, online public services, cloud adoption, and increasing use of AI across industries.
Critical sectors—including banking, healthcare, transportation, telecommunications, education, energy, and government services—now rely extensively on interconnected digital systems.
While this transformation has improved efficiency and accessibility, it has also increased the country’s exposure to cyber threats. A successful attack on essential infrastructure AI-Powered could disrupt services, compromise sensitive data, and cause significant AI-Powered economic losses.
Recognising these risks, the government is adopting a proactive approach that combines AI-powered monitoring, skilled cybersecurity professionals, regular cyber drills, and AI-Powered collaborative threat intelligence to strengthen national resilience.
A Multi-Layered Strategy for a Safer Digital Future
The government’s latest initiatives demonstrate a shift from reactive cybersecurity practices toward predictive, AI-driven defence mechanisms.
Rather than responding only after attacks occur, India’s cybersecurity agencies are increasingly using Artificial Intelligence to anticipate AI-Powered threats, identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited, and enable faster coordination across government and industry.
Officials emphasise that legal reforms, technical safeguards, administrative coordination, workforce development, and public-private collaboration will all remain essential as AI-Powered cyber threats continue to evolve
As Artificial Intelligence reshapes the global cybersecurity landscape, India’s decision to strengthen its AI-driven cyber defence framework marks an important step toward protecting its rapidly expanding digital infrastructure. Through AI-Powered advanced threat detection systems, automated vulnerability assessments, nationwide cyber exercises, specialised AI security training, and comprehensive technical guidelines, the government aims to build a more resilient and secure cyberspace.
The measures outlined by Minister of State Jitin Prasada in Parliament highlight a long-term strategy focused on preparedness rather than reaction. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated and AI-powered, continued investment in intelligent security technologies, skilled professionals, and coordinated incident response will be critical to safeguarding government AI-Powered systems, businesses, and citizens in the digital era.
