Safer Internet Day 2025: Why RBI’s latest security moves matter for every Indian

By Gloria Methri

As the world marks Safer Internet Day 2025, the urgency of cyber security has never been more pronounced. Cybercrime is projected to cost the global economy $10.5 trillion annually by 2025 (Cybersecurity Ventures, 2022), underscoring the sheer scale of financial and operational damage at stake.

A recent report highlights that over 30,000 new vulnerabilities were detected last year alone—a staggering 17% increase. With AI-powered phishing scams, deepfake fraud, and sophisticated ransomware attacks on the rise, businesses and individuals are facing an unrelenting wave of cyber threats.

India, with its rapidly digitising financial landscape, must confront this growing menace head-on. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken significant steps to fortify digital trust, but are these measures enough to protect against the evolving tactics of cybercriminals?

RBI’s Push for Safer Digital Transactions

In an effort to combat fraud, the RBI has recently introduced two major security initiatives:

• Exclusive “.bank.in” domains for registered banks: This initiative aims to curb phishing scams by ensuring that customers can verify the legitimacy of their bank’s website before transacting. The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) will oversee domain registrations starting April 2025.
• Additional Factor Authentication (AFA) for international “Card Not Present” transactions: This move brings cross-border digital payments under stricter security protocols, ensuring the same level of protection as domestic transactions.

Industry Experts Sound the Alarm

While regulatory steps are crucial, cybersecurity leaders stress that proactive defence strategies are equally vital.

Camellia Chan, CEO and co-founder of X-PHY, warns that cybercriminals now use AI-driven tools to launch near-flawless phishing attacks and AI-powered malware. “Businesses must assess whether their defences can withstand today’s rapidly escalating threats,” she says, advocating for multi-layered security measures incorporating AI-driven threat detection and hardware-based security.

Anthony Cusimano, Director of Technical Marketing at Object First, highlights the growing necessity of a zero-trust approach. “A single compromised password, an unprotected backup, or a phishing attack on a personal device can trigger a large-scale breach,” he explains. To counter these threats, he stresses the importance of multi-factor authentication (MFA), immutable storage, and least privilege access policies.

As cybercriminals refine their tactics, the burden of defence extends beyond regulators and corporations—individuals must also take charge of their digital security. A safer internet requires continuous cybersecurity education, investment in cutting-edge security infrastructure, and strict adherence to best practices.

With digital fraud surging and financial losses mounting, the question remains: Is India ready to defend its digital future?