The latest findings from Cisco's 2024 Cybersecurity Readiness Index have shed light on the cybersecurity landscape in India, revealing that a mere 4% of organizations have achieved a 'mature' level of readiness to combat modern cyber risks. A significant 37% are categorized as 'progressive', striving towards better cybersecurity practices, while 52% are at a 'formative' stage, indicating work in progress, and 7% are deemed 'beginners', facing significant gaps in cybersecurity preparedness.
The report underscores the global and local challenges faced by organizations, with a mere 3% of companies worldwide being classified as 'mature' in terms of cybersecurity readiness. Cyber threats ranging from phishing and ransomware to supply chain attacks are continuing to target businesses, highlighting the urgent need for robust defense mechanisms. Despite efforts to enhance cybersecurity defenses, organizations are hindered by the complexity of their security postures, often cluttered with multiple point solutions that impede their ability to detect, respond, and recover from incidents effectively.
Moreover, the index reveals alarming statistics related to employee behavior and security practices within companies. A staggering 92% of companies disclosed that their employees access company platforms using unmanaged devices, raising concerns about potential vulnerabilities and unauthorized access. Additionally, 48% of these employees spend a significant portion of their time (20%) logged onto company networks from unmanaged devices, further accentuating the risks associated with inadequate security protocols and employee awareness. These findings underscore the need for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity measures, increase budget allocations, and streamline security strategies to address evolving cyber threats effectively.