Attacks on small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in India are on the rise, prompting increased concern and action from major tech players. Recognizing the growing vulnerability of these businesses, which form the backbone of the Indian economy, Google is making significant investments to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. This initiative acknowledges that SMBs, particularly those with a strong online presence, are increasingly becoming prime targets for cybercriminals.
As part of its 'Safety Charter,' Google has committed an additional $5 million to The Asia Foundation, a global non-profit organization. This funding will support the expansion of "cyber clinics," programs designed to integrate cybersecurity best practices into the core operations of SMBs. This follows an earlier commitment of $20 million to the same cause, bringing the total investment to $25 million. The cyber clinics will provide SMBs with practical guidance, tools, and training to help them identify vulnerabilities, implement security measures, and respond effectively to cyber incidents.
This investment is particularly timely, given the evolving cyber threat landscape in India. The country's rapid digital transformation, while bringing immense economic opportunities, has also expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals. With millions of new internet users and businesses increasingly relying on digital infrastructure, the potential for cyberattacks has grown significantly. Cyber fraud has seen a dramatic increase, with phishing scams, fake job offers, and payment fraud becoming more frequent and sophisticated. "Digital arrest" scams, where victims are coerced into paying fines under false pretenses of legal investigation, are also a growing concern.
According to the "India Cyber Threat Report 2025," the cyber threat landscape is at a critical point, with an unprecedented volume and sophistication of attacks targeting both organizations and individuals. The report, which analyzed data from millions of endpoints across India, uncovered hundreds of millions of distinct malware detections. It also highlighted a strategic shift by attackers from opportunistic attacks to more targeted and sophisticated campaigns, using advanced malware like Trojans and infectors.
Several factors contribute to the vulnerability of SMBs in India. Many SMBs operate with limited budgets, small or non-existent IT teams, and less robust infrastructure than larger enterprises. This resource gap makes them easier targets for attackers. Furthermore, a significant percentage of SMBs believe their existing antivirus solutions provide adequate protection, creating a false sense of security that leaves them exposed to modern threats.
The rise of AI is also transforming the cyber threat landscape. Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging generative AI to create more sophisticated and adaptive attacks, including AI-powered malware. This necessitates that organizations, including SMBs, update their cybersecurity strategies to combat these AI-driven threats.
Given these challenges, Google's investment in SMB cybersecurity adoption is a welcome step. By providing funding for cyber clinics and other initiatives, Google is helping SMBs in India build stronger defenses against cyber threats, protect their businesses, and contribute to a more secure digital economy. This proactive approach is essential for fostering resilience and ensuring that SMBs can thrive in the face of evolving cyber risks.
