Ransomware attackers are increasingly shifting their focus towards small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), many of which are rapidly adopting digital technologies but still lack dedicated cybersecurity teams and advanced protection systems. Data from cybersecurity firm Kaspersky shows that ransomware detections among Indian SMBs increased from 3.18 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 to 4.07 per cent during the same period in 2026. Although the rise may appear small, experts say it reflects a steady change in cybercriminal behaviour, with smaller businesses becoming regular targets rather than experiencing isolated attacks.

Cybersecurity specialists believe the actual level of risk could be much higher than detection numbers indicate. Jaydeep Singh, General Manager for India at Kaspersky, explained that such statistics generally capture only the final stage of an attack, when criminals encrypt systems, while earlier activities such as gaining access, stealing credentials and moving through networks often remain undetected. Ransomware has evolved significantly over the years. Earlier attacks mainly involved encrypting files and demanding payment in exchange for restoring access. Today, cybercriminal groups often spend considerable time inside a victim's network, collecting sensitive information, compromising accounts and extracting data before launching encryption.

This shift has made ransomware more damaging because even organisations that recover their systems through backups may still face risks if stolen confidential information is later leaked or misused. Small and medium businesses are becoming increasingly attractive targets because of two major trends. The first is India's rapid digital transformation, which has pushed SMBs to adopt cloud platforms, online payment systems, connected manufacturing technologies and digital supply chains. The second is the rise of ransomware-as-a-service models, which have made advanced attack tools easily available to a wider range of criminals.

According to Singh, ransomware groups are not replacing large enterprises with smaller businesses as targets. Instead, they now view Indian SMBs as valuable victims because many have weaker security measures while still holding important business data and network access. India's MSME sector contributes significantly to the economy, accounting for around 31.1 per cent of GDP, 35.4 per cent of manufacturing output and nearly half of the country's exports. As these businesses become more connected with larger companies, their cybersecurity weaknesses can create risks across entire supply chains.

Cybercriminals increasingly see suppliers, logistics providers, IT vendors and manufacturing partners as possible entry points into bigger organisations. A compromised small business can provide attackers with access to larger corporate networks, making SMB security a concern not only for the companies themselves but also for their business partners. The ransomware ecosystem has also become more organised. Groups such as The Gentlemen, a ransomware-as-a-service operation tracked by Kaspersky researchers, have expanded rapidly by targeting industries including manufacturing, healthcare, IT services, financial services, construction and logistics.

Unlike traditional ransomware groups, modern operators often use specialised tools to study their victims before launching attacks. Researchers have identified malware capable of gathering network information, communicating with attackers and conducting reconnaissance activities long before files are encrypted. Kaspersky's Q1 2026 threat report said The Gentlemen accounted for 9.25 per cent of victims listed on ransomware leak websites, placing it among the fastest-growing ransomware groups.

The growing popularity of ransomware-as-a-service has lowered the technical skills required to launch attacks. Criminal groups can now purchase access, malware tools and support services, allowing more attackers to target businesses with limited cybersecurity resources. Industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, IT services, financial services, construction and logistics are currently facing increased ransomware activity. Experts say attackers are not necessarily interested in what these companies produce but are instead targeting sectors that have become highly digital and interconnected without making equal investments in cybersecurity.

Manufacturing is considered particularly vulnerable because information technology and operational technology systems are increasingly linked. While this improves efficiency, it also creates more opportunities for attackers if security controls are not strengthened. The nature of ransomware attacks is also changing. Criminals are moving away from relying only on file encryption and increasingly using data theft and extortion tactics. Instead of simply blocking access to systems, attackers steal confidential information and threaten to publish it unless their demands are met.

The use of initial access brokers has further complicated the threat landscape. These specialised cybercriminal groups break into networks and sell access to ransomware operators, with remote access services, VPN systems and internet-facing portals often becoming common entry points. Artificial intelligence has introduced another challenge. While fully automated AI-powered cyberattacks are still developing, criminals are already using the popularity of AI tools to trick users into downloading malicious software.

Kaspersky researchers found that attacks disguised as popular AI applications increased significantly among SMBs in 2026. Fake AI tools, including fraudulent versions of widely used assistants, have become a growing method for spreading malware. Despite the increasing sophistication of ransomware campaigns, many SMBs continue to struggle with basic cybersecurity practices. Lack of dedicated security teams, poor patch management, weak backup strategies and limited monitoring capabilities remain major vulnerabilities.

Experts also warn that backups alone are no longer enough protection. Modern ransomware groups often steal data before encrypting systems, meaning businesses need stronger detection, response and data protection measures. Another challenge is regulatory preparedness. Many Indian organisations are still in the early stages of implementing requirements under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) framework, leaving them exposed to both cybersecurity threats and compliance risks. As India's SMB sector continues to digitise, cybersecurity is becoming a critical part of business survival. Ransomware is no longer just an IT problem affecting individual companies; it has become a wider economic risk that can impact entire supply chains and larger organisations connected to smaller businesses.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Busienss Standard.

Users across several countries experienced a temporary disruption on X, formerly known as Twitter, after the social media platform stopped functioning normally for many people. Thousands of users reported that their timelines were not refreshing, posts failed to load, and several features became inaccessible, sparking widespread discussion across the internet.

The issue affected both the X mobile application and the web version of the platform. As complaints surged, outage-tracking websites recorded a sharp increase in reports from users who said they were unable to access their feeds or view newly published posts. Some users encountered endless loading screens, while others found that their "For You" timeline remained blank or failed to update with fresh content.

The disruption appeared to be widespread rather than limited to a specific country or internet service provider. Users from different parts of the world reported facing similar issues around the same time, indicating that the problem was likely linked to X's infrastructure rather than individual devices or local network connections.

As the outage unfolded, many people turned to other social media platforms to confirm whether the problem was affecting everyone. It has become a familiar pattern whenever a major digital service experiences technical difficulties, with users quickly seeking updates elsewhere while waiting for normal operations to resume.

Within a relatively short period, the platform gradually began recovering, and reports of technical problems started to decline. Timelines resumed updating, posts became visible again, and most users were able to access the service without difficulty. However, X had not immediately shared a detailed explanation about what triggered the disruption or whether it was caused by a server issue, a software update, or another technical fault.

Although the outage was brief, it underscored the growing importance of X as a real-time communication platform. Millions of people rely on the service every day to follow breaking news, engage with public figures, share updates, and communicate with businesses. Even a short interruption can affect journalists, emergency services, brands, marketers, and users who depend on the platform for instant information.

Technical outages are not uncommon for large online platforms that serve hundreds of millions of users worldwide. As digital services continue to expand, occasional disruptions remain an industry-wide challenge despite continuous investments in infrastructure and reliability. Most such incidents are resolved quickly, but they often generate significant attention because of the central role these platforms play in everyday communication. At the time of writing, X's services appear to have returned to normal for most users, with timelines refreshing and posts loading as expected. The company is yet to release a detailed statement explaining the cause of the temporary outage.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

Meta has withdrawn an AI-powered image generation feature just days after introducing it, following widespread criticism over privacy issues and concerns raised by users and industry groups. In a statement released on Friday, the company said the tool was intended to offer a creative way for people to generate images while giving them control over whether their public Instagram content could be used. However, Meta acknowledged that the feature did not meet users' expectations and confirmed it had been removed.

The feature, called Muse Image, debuted earlier this week as Meta's first image-generation model developed by its Meta Superintelligence Labs. Integrated into the Meta AI chatbot, it allowed users to create and edit AI-generated images using publicly available Instagram photos as prompts. Shortly after its launch, the tool faced strong criticism because it was enabled by default, prompting concerns that users' public images could be used without explicit permission.

Actor Hannah Einbinder, best known for her role in Hacks, publicly criticized the feature on Instagram, noting that it had been activated automatically and encouraging users to disable it. The performers' union SAG-AFTRA also urged Instagram users to opt out, arguing that features involving personal images should require clear and informed consent rather than automatic enrollment. The union stated that allowing such uses without an obvious opt-in mechanism ignored growing public concerns about the risks associated with AI-generated content and digital likenesses.

After Meta announced it was discontinuing the feature, SAG-AFTRA welcomed the decision. A spokesperson said removing the tool was the responsible course of action, particularly at a time when the risks of creating unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas are widely recognized. Meta's decision highlights the growing scrutiny technology companies face over how artificial intelligence systems handle user data and reinforces increasing calls for transparent privacy controls and explicit user consent in AI-powered services.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.

India's space sector is entering an exciting new phase, and much of the attention is focused on Vikram-1, the first privately developed orbital launch vehicle from Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace. While the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been the driving force behind the country's space achievements for decades, the emergence of private companies marks a significant shift in how India approaches space exploration and commercial launches. Vikram-1 is not just another rocket—it represents the growing confidence of Indian startups and their ability to contribute to the nation's expanding space ambitions.

For years, ISRO has earned global recognition by completing ambitious missions at comparatively low costs. Successful lunar and Mars missions, along with hundreds of satellite launches for domestic and international customers, established India as a trusted spacefaring nation. However, the government's decision to open the space sector to private participation has created opportunities for entrepreneurs and engineers to develop technologies that were once the exclusive domain of national agencies.

Skyroot Aerospace has emerged as one of the leading beneficiaries of these reforms. Founded by former ISRO scientists and engineers, the company combines years of technical expertise with the speed and flexibility of a startup. After successfully launching the suborbital Vikram-S mission in 2022, the company is now preparing for its biggest challenge yet placing satellites into orbit with Vikram-1. If the mission succeeds, it will be the first time an Indian private company has achieved an orbital launch, making it a landmark event for the country's commercial space industry.

The timing could not be better. Demand for launching small satellites has increased rapidly as governments, universities and private companies invest in communication, Earth observation, navigation, climate monitoring and scientific research. Instead of relying only on large rockets carrying massive payloads, many organizations now require dedicated launches for compact satellites. Vikram-1 has been designed to serve this growing market by offering an efficient and cost-effective launch solution for small payloads destined for low Earth orbit.

The importance of Vikram-1 extends far beyond a single launch. A successful mission would demonstrate that Indian startups possess the capability to design, manufacture and operate sophisticated launch vehicles that can compete internationally. This could attract new investments into India's fast-growing deep-tech ecosystem and encourage more entrepreneurs to enter the aerospace sector. It would also strengthen India's position in the global commercial space market, where competition continues to intensify.

The rise of private space companies is expected to create new employment opportunities across engineering, manufacturing, software development, research and advanced technology. Universities may also benefit as students increasingly pursue careers in aerospace engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence and satellite technology. The growth of this ecosystem has the potential to generate innovation across multiple industries while supporting India's broader vision of becoming a global technology leader.

Despite the optimism surrounding Vikram-1, the space industry remains one of the most challenging sectors in the world. Every rocket launch involves thousands of complex systems working together with near-perfect precision. Even the most experienced launch providers have faced failures before achieving consistent success. From engine performance and stage separation to navigation and satellite deployment, every phase of the mission must operate exactly as planned. Regardless of the outcome, the mission will provide valuable technical knowledge that can improve future launch vehicles and strengthen India's private space capabilities.

One of the most encouraging aspects of this transformation is the growing collaboration between ISRO and private companies. Rather than competing against each other, both are expected to play complementary roles. ISRO can continue focusing on advanced scientific missions, planetary exploration and national priorities, while private firms develop commercial launch services and innovative space technologies for customers around the world. This partnership creates an environment where innovation can flourish while expanding India's influence in the global space economy.

Many industry experts believe India's commercial space sector is only beginning its journey. As more startups enter the market and investment continues to grow, the country could become a preferred destination for satellite launches and space technology development. Vikram-1 therefore represents much more than a technological achievement it symbolizes the confidence of a new generation of Indian innovators who are ready to compete on the global stage.

As the countdown to launch continues, expectations remain high. A successful mission would not only mark a historic achievement for Skyroot Aerospace but could also redefine India's role in the rapidly evolving commercial space industry. More importantly, it would demonstrate that the country's future in space will be shaped not only by government agencies but also by ambitious private enterprises capable of driving innovation, creating jobs and contributing to the next era of global space exploration.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Wionews

As AI continues to evolve, cyber risks are becoming a major business challenge rather than just a technical problem. The Five Eyes alliance warns that advanced AI models could transform the cyber threat landscape faster than anticipated. With AI being used for both attacks and defense, the question remains: who is ahead in this new automated cyber battle? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman explore this with Jayant Dave, Chief Information Security Officer at Check Point Software Technologies.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

A prolonged and heated courtroom dispute between tech billionaires Elon Musk and Sam Altman has ended in a win for OpenAI’s CEO. Musk says he plans to challenge the decision. The case has raised wider questions about Big Tech influence and the worldwide competition in artificial intelligence. Lucy Hough discusses the outcome with Guardian US tech and power reporter Nick Robins-Early in a YouTube interview.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Guardian.

This discussion reviews the 32 final recommendations from Singapore’s Economic Strategy Review aimed at safeguarding workers from AI-driven disruption through measures like career transition pathways and earlier retrenchment assistance. Andrea Heng and Elakeyaa Selvaraji explore how these proposals seek to raise wages in people-focused sectors such as healthcare and education, while building a more proactive system for lifelong learning, featuring insights from Desmond Choo, Minister of State, MINDEF and Deputy Secretary-General of NTUC.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

In Singapore, bots account for about 58 percent of total internet traffic, with over half classified as malicious. As AI-powered bots become more advanced and harder to distinguish from real users, organizations now face the challenge of not just detecting bots but also interpreting their intent. With AI increasingly blurring the boundary between human and automated activity, businesses are under pressure to adapt. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the implications for online security, trust, and the internet’s future with Garen Ling, Area Vice President of Sales, ASEAN, App Security and Data Security at Thales.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.