Hit by a Cyber-Attack? Here’s How to Protect Yourself Before It Gets Worse

India is facing a surge in cybercrime. From data breaches to phishing scams, these seven verified steps can help you stay secure and recover smarter.

Saurabh Chauhan 1 week agoLast Updated: June 11, 2025

107,329 4 minutes read

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Reviewed & Published by HH News Desk

It’s a sinking feeling. One minute you’re checking emails or scrolling through an online store—and the next, you’re staring at an alert that your account’s been compromised. Or worse, your bank just flagged a transaction you didn’t make. Cyber-attacks today don’t come with sirens. They come quietly, and sometimes you don’t even know until the damage is already done.

But the steps you take immediately afterward? Those can make all the difference.

Step One: Pay Attention To The Signs Of Cyber-Attack

Whenever there’s a data breach—whether from a major retailer or a social platform—companies usually send out notices to affected users. They might land in your inbox, or pop up as alerts. Ignore them, and you risk staying in the dark while someone else messes with your data.

Back in May, Marks & Spencer confirmed a breach and sent messages asking customers to update their credentials. The same thing happened with Adidas, whose customers received heads-ups on potential account exposure. These aren’t marketing emails. They’re your cue to act.

Don’t Wait—Change Those Passwords

Let’s be honest: a lot of us reuse passwords. Maybe not for everything, but enough that if one gets out, others could be at risk.

Security professionals say the golden rule is simple—every account gets its own password. Make them long, weird, and unrelated to anything personal. Think of phrases like “LemonSkyTrains!42″—hard to guess, easy to remember. Tools like Bitwarden, 1Password, or even browser vaults help you keep track.

And here’s the trick most folks forget: change passwords only on devices you know are clean. Otherwise, you might be typing your new password straight into a hacker’s waiting hands.

Lock It Down With Two-Factor Authentication

2FA might feel like a hassle at first, but it’s one of the most effective shields you can put up. It adds a second checkpoint—usually a text, a code from an app, or a tap on your phone—to verify it’s really you.

Platforms from Gmail to SBI and WhatsApp now support it. Set it up. Because if someone tries logging in from some unknown device halfway across the world, you’ll know.

Be On The Lookout For Fake Emails That Follow

Here’s where it gets sneaky. Once a breach becomes public, scammers start posing as the affected company. They’ll send out phishing emails with subject lines like “Urgent: Reset Your Account” or “Update Required.” Some even mimic logos and wording to the letter.

But there’s a simple rule here: don’t click on email links. If something seems off, go directly to the site by typing the URL. If it’s real, the alert will be there.

Check Your Financials—Don’t Wait For a Statement

Cybercriminals don’t always strike immediately. Sometimes they wait, test small transactions, or sell your info on the dark web.

That’s why it’s smart to log into your bank accounts, UPI apps, and even credit report portals regularly. In India, sites like CIBIL or Experian India let you pull credit reports and see if someone’s trying to take out loans or apply for cards in your name.

And here’s a real stat that puts things into perspective: according to Dark Reading, India logged more than 1.7 million cybercrime complaints in 2024 alone. That’s up over 50% from the year before. This isn’t paranoia—this is preparedness.

Stop Saving Cards On Shopping Sites

We all love a smooth checkout. But saved card info? That’s a risk. If the platform gets hacked, those details might be part of what leaks out.

Many cyber experts now advise skipping that checkbox that asks to “Save for future purchases.” Re-enter the card. Use UPI where possible. It’s slightly less convenient, but dramatically safer.

Update, Scan, And Be Honest About The Damage

Once you’ve dealt with the basics, turn your focus to your device. If you suspect malware, don’t brush it off. Run a full antivirus scan. Programs like Quick Heal or Kaspersky can dig deeper than just the surface.

If it still feels off—sluggish, buggy, or glitchy—it might be time for a full OS reset. Yes, it’s drastic. But sometimes, starting fresh is safer than risking ongoing infection.

India’s Cybercrime Curve Is Only Going Up

The latest figures from the Indian Journal of Scientific Research & Analysis show that reported cybercrime cases surged from around 9,600 in 2014 to almost 78,000 by August 2024. That’s not just a spike—it’s a pattern.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that large-scale financial cyber frauds—defined as cases involving ₹1 lakh or more—quadrupled over the past fiscal year. Total loss? Over $20 million.

With cybercrime squads now active across metro hubs like Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai, India is expanding its digital defenses. But as always, protection starts at the user level.

What Authorities And Experts Are Saying

Security teams in states like Maharashtra have gone beyond basic detection tools. According to Times of India, the state cyber cell has implemented honeypots, firewalls, and even surveillance software to flag attacks in real time. They’re actively tracking groups like Mysterious Team Bangladesh and Team Insane PK, who have targeted Indian networks.

Meanwhile, globally, agencies like CISA and the FBI continue to urge victims to report breaches, not brush them off. Even small incidents can help piece together bigger threats.

The Bottom Line: Digital Vigilance Is A Life Skill

At this point, cybersecurity isn’t something only tech teams worry about. It’s everyone’s job. As President Droupadi Murmu said in her Republic Day address this year, “Digital safety is now a pillar of national strength.”

You don’t have to become a tech expert overnight. But keeping your passwords clean, your devices updated, and your guard up? That’s a habit worth building.

Because in today’s digital world, locking your data is as crucial as locking your door.

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Author Profile

Saurabh Chauhan

Editor - Tech & Ai at Hindustan Herald

Saurabh Chauhan is a tech-savvy eLearning specialist with a keen focus on xAPI, SCORM, LMS, and LRS. As co-founder of SV Tech World on YouTube, he explored gadgets and digital tools. At Hindustan Herald, he now breaks down complex tech topics, making innovation accessible and relevant for curious minds.