Telangana Leads in Cyberattacks, Amid Allegations of Phone Tapping Involving State Minister

Telangana has emerged as the leading state in India for cyberattacks, followed by Tamil Nadu and Delhi, according to the “India Cyber Threat Report 2025” released by the Data Security Council of India (DSCI). The financial, banking, and healthcare sectors are the most targeted, with an alarming rise in malware activity across these industries. The report attributes the high volumes of cyberattacks in these regions to their higher digital adoption and connectivity levels.

While Telangana accounted for 15.03% of the total cyberattack detections and Tamil Nadu followed with 12%, the report also highlights a concerning trend: cybercriminals are increasingly targeting Tier 2 cities. These areas, with weaker cyber defenses compared to larger urban centers, have seen a rise in attacks. The shift in focus towards smaller cities underscores the urgent need for better cybersecurity measures nationwide.

In a related legal matter, allegations of phone tapping involving Telangana Minister Harish Rao have raised serious concerns. The complainant claims that his phone was tapped using state intelligence resources, violating his right to privacy. His lawyer, Siddharth Luthra, called for an investigation into the misuse of state equipment for private purposes. The complainant was notified by Apple about the alleged tapping, prompting further legal action.

Harish Rao’s lawyer, Ramchander Rao, dismissed the allegations, labeling the complainant as a habitual petitioner with a history of filing similar complaints. Luthra argued that the complainant had the right to challenge the minister’s election and emphasized that such serious allegations required continued investigation. Justice K Lakshman remarked that while anticipatory bail could be considered for Harish Rao, the investigation should proceed without delay to ensure accountability.

- Advertisement -