The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) organized a national webinar on October 24, 2025, as part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, highlighting urgent cyber threats and collective strategies to fortify India’s telecom infrastructure. The event saw leading experts, industry professionals, and senior government officials stress the importance of a cyber-aware and vigilant digital ecosystem, especially in the face of rising phishing and AI-enabled threats.
Experts Spotlight Phishing, AI, and Deepfake Threats
Cyber Security Expert Dr. Rohit Gautam underscored that phishing remains the most common and damaging cyberattack, responsible for nearly 90% of breaches globally. He elaborated on the evolution of attack methods, with criminals now leveraging phishing, vishing (voice phishing), and sophisticated deepfake technology to exploit user trust—causing worldwide losses that exceed $9.5 trillion each year. The session offered practical strategies to spot social engineering, recognize suspicious communications, and defend against AI-powered phishing attempts.
Governance and Telecom-CSIRT Initiatives
DG Telecom, Ms. Sunita Chandra, emphasized the shared responsibility of users, organisations, and the state in ensuring telecom cyber safety. Additional DG Suresh Puri reviewed DoT’s progress in launching the Telecom-CSIRT (Computer Security Incident Response Team), a new national network focused on quick response and preparedness against cyber incidents within the telecom sector. The session stressed the importance of collective engagement and proactive actions by all telecom field units and service providers.
Evolving Mobile and Governance Risks
Industry Expert Sh. Abhijit Tripathy simplified Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) concepts that form the backbone of resilient organizations. He highlighted the critical interplay of skilled personnel, robust processes, and secure technology in prevention and cyber risk minimization. Cyber Security Expert Sh. Sampat Ray covered the rising wave of AI-driven threats, from deepfake-generated messages to fake mobile apps and vishing scams, urging constant vigilance and adoption of up-to-date countermeasures.
Building a Resilient Digital Ecosystem
The webinar successfully reinforced the DoT’s commitment to resilient telecom governance, stakeholder engagement, and a secure national infrastructure. Officials and experts alike called for a sustained culture of cyber awareness, informed decision-making, and enhanced readiness as digital threats become more multifaceted.
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Source: PIB
