Over 90% Of Indian Business Leaders Plan To Increase 2025 Cybersecurity Budgets: Report

In addition, 42 per cent of Indian business leaders are focusing their cybersecurity investments on data protection and remediation, prioritising these areas in response to recent cyber breaches

Cloud-related threats continue to be the top concern for Indian executives

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Indian business leaders have shown great emphasis on cybersecurity as 93 per cent expect their cybersecurity budgets to increase next year, with 17 per cent planning a boost of 15 per cent or more—up 1 per cent from the previous year, according to a report released on Thursday. In addition, 42 per cent of Indian business leaders are focusing their cybersecurity investments on data protection and remediation, prioritising these areas in response to recent cyber breaches. This insights were revealed by PwC India’s ‘Digital Trust Insights 2025.’

The report also reveals that Indian executives consider cybersecurity their top risk mitigation priority (61 per cent), followed by digital and technology risks (60 per cent), inflation (48 per cent), and environmental risks (30 per cent) over the next 12 months.

Commenting on the report's findings, Sivarama Krishnan, Partner and Leader, Risk Consulting, PwC India, said, “By embracing advanced technologies, adhering to foundational cybersecurity principles, and allocating resources effectively, organisations need to stay committed to fortifying defences and safeguarding their future.”

Cloud-related threats continue to be the top concern for Indian executives, with 55 per cent identifying them as their most pressing cyber risk—an increase of 3 per cent from the previous year. However, 50 per cent of security leaders and CFOs feel least prepared to tackle these threats in the year ahead.

The report also reveals that generative AI drives cyber investment priorities, with 87 per cent of organisations increasing their investments in technology over the past year. Additionally, 86 per cent of organisations have ramped up spending on AI governance as part of their broader risk management strategies. Notably, 80 per cent of Indian companies express high confidence in their ability to comply with emerging AI regulations.

“Advances in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the increased adoption of cloud services have significantly expanded the attack surface for enterprises,” noted Manu Dwivedi, Partner and Leader – Cybersecurity and Risk Consulting GCC, PwC India.