Cybersecurity Emerges as Key Concern for India Amid Rising Global Digital Risks

The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2026 identifies cybersecurity as one of the most important global and national threats. While the report states that geoeconomic confrontation will be the most serious global risk in 2026, India's situation appears to be different. In India, cybersecurity is considered as the top risk, surpassing income and wealth inequality.

According to the report, countries are becoming more vulnerable to attacks as their digital dependence grows, cybercrime increases, and cyber defenses weaken. The rapid expansion of online services, digital payments, cloud systems, and AI-powered platforms in India has raised the risk of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and cyber espionage. This is why cybersecurity has become a top priority for corporations, governments, and individuals.

Globally, the survey demonstrates that geopolitical and economic concerns are rising. Nearly one-third of poll respondents viewed geoeconomic confrontation or state-based armed conflict as the most serious risk for 2026. However, despite these traditional threats, cyber risks are rapidly increasing.

The survey observes an increasing concern about technology-related threats. Cybersecurity is now ranked ninth among the top ten global dangers. The growing misuse of artificial intelligence has sparked concern. These issues are inseparable, as cyberattacks frequently use AI techniques and fake data to do harm.

In India, cybersecurity threats are followed by income inequality, insufficient public services, an economic slowdown, and armed conflict. This demonstrates how cyber dangers are increasingly regarded as more dangerous than many physical risks. A single cyberattack can cause disruptions in banking systems, power lines, hospitals, government operations, and even national security. Over 1,300 worldwide executives and experts in business, government, academia, and civil society provided comments for the worldwide Risks Perception Survey. Their views send a clear message that cybersecurity must be handled as a high concern.

As cyber threats grow more advanced and frequent, countries like India need stronger cyber protection, better digital infrastructure, and greater public awareness. The report makes it clear that protecting data, systems, and digital trust will be critical for economic stability and national security in the coming years.

Information referenced in this article is from The Hindu