Seqrite India Cyber Threat Report reveals hidden risk of identity theft in Indian IT firms

India’s IT sector continues to support global digital systems, but this growing influence is also attracting a new kind of cyber threat. The Seqrite India Cyber Threat Report highlights how attackers are now focusing less on breaking systems and more on gaining access through stolen identities. This shift may seem subtle, but it is changing how cyber risks unfold across organisations.

What makes this trend more concerning is its simplicity. Instead of complex exploits, attackers are using login credentials as their primary entry point. This creates a situation where even well-protected systems can be exposed if identity layers are weak or poorly monitored.

Credential theft in Indian IT firms is becoming the new entry point

The report shows that credential theft in Indian IT firms is no longer an isolated issue but a structured attack strategy. Attackers are collecting login details through phishing campaigns, malware infections and compromised applications, and then reusing them across multiple systems. This allows them to quietly move within networks, gain higher access privileges and remain undetected for longer periods.

Once credentials are compromised, they often circulate on dark web platforms, making them accessible to multiple threat actors. This means a single breach can quickly expand into a much larger incident. The problem is no longer about a single system being affected, but entire ecosystems becoming vulnerable due to interconnected access.

Scale of attacks and the role of Trojans

Data from the Seqrite India Cyber Threat Report reveals a massive scale of activity, with 265.52 million detections across more than 8 million endpoints. This level of activity points to continuous and automated attack attempts rather than isolated incidents. It reflects how cyber threats have become persistent and industrial in nature.

A key contributor to this trend is the rise of Trojans, which account for nearly 43 percent of detections. These malicious programmes act as the first layer of attack, capturing login credentials and enabling further exploitation. Once deployed, they allow attackers to extract sensitive information and prepare systems for additional threats such as ransomware or data theft.

Why Zero Trust identity security in India is gaining urgency

Indian IT firms operate in highly connected environments, relying on cloud systems, remote access tools and third-party integrations. This interconnected structure increases efficiency but also creates multiple entry points for attackers. A single compromised credential can provide access to several systems at once, amplifying the potential damage.

This is where Zero Trust identity security in India is becoming important. The approach focuses on verifying every access request instead of assuming trust within the network. It encourages organisations to continuously validate users, monitor behaviour and restrict unnecessary access. This shift reflects a broader change in how security is being approached in modern IT environments.

DPDP Act compliance for IT companies adds regulatory pressure

Beyond operational risks, credential theft also brings regulatory challenges. The DPDP Act compliance for IT companies requires organisations to protect personal and sensitive data from unauthorised access. When credentials are compromised, the chances of data breaches increase significantly, exposing customer information, employee records and intellectual property.

Such incidents can lead to compliance failures and financial penalties, making identity security not just a technical concern but a business priority. Organisations are now expected to maintain visibility over data access and ensure that protective measures are in place across all systems.

The shift towards identity-first security strategies

The findings of the Seqrite India Cyber Threat Report suggest that organisations need to rethink their security priorities. Instead of focusing only on infrastructure, there is a growing need to secure identities at every level. This includes implementing multi-factor authentication, monitoring credential exposure and tracking risks beyond internal systems.

Security solutions are evolving to support this approach by offering better visibility and faster response capabilities. The emphasis is on detecting threats early and preventing attackers from gaining a foothold through compromised credentials. This shift reflects a deeper understanding of how modern cyber threats operate.

Access is the new battleground

The key takeaway from the Seqrite India Cyber Threat Report is clear. Cyberattacks are no longer about breaking into systems. They are about gaining access through identities. This change may appear simple, but its impact is far-reaching for India’s IT ecosystem.

As organisations continue to expand and connect globally, the importance of identity security will only increase. Protecting login credentials is no longer a basic task. It is becoming the core of cybersecurity strategy, where the smallest lapse can lead to the biggest risks.

Read More: 

How machine vision is redefining digitalisation on India’s factory floors

Palo Alto Networks Portkey acquisition targets AI risks

Milestone XProtect 2026 R1 features rethink security workflows

From guesswork to revenue: How Wibe Algo is rebuilding the growth engine