A striking revelation by cybersecurity firm Lisianthus Tech has shed light on the growing nexus between cybercrimes and the dark web in India.

According to the firm's latest report, a staggering 20 per cent of cybercrimes in the country involve attackers leveraging the dark web, an elusive corner of the internet notorious for its anonymity.

The dark web, accessible only through specialised tools, is designed to mask users’ identities and locations, making it a haven for illicit activities.

Lisianthus Tech's study highlights its role in a variety of crimes, including data breaches, phishing, hacking, ransomware attacks, identity theft, and even the sale of illegal products such as narcotics and weapons.

Khushhal Kaushik, founder and CEO of Gurugram-based Lisianthus Tech, stated that the findings stem from a comprehensive analysis of cybercrime cases reported nationwide.

"The study was conducted on a sampling basis over two months and involved data sourced from state police departments, the National Crime Records Bureau, and other cybercrime reporting portals," Kaushik explained.

The data was then scrutinised in collaboration with industry experts, cybersecurity consultants, and law enforcement officials.

The report also referenced high-profile incidents to illustrate the threat posed by the dark web.

In one case, a man was arrested for cultivating cannabis in his rented flat and selling it via the dark web.

Another infamous example was last year's ransomware attack on Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), which severely disrupted operations and underscored the vulnerabilities of critical institutions.

Lisianthus Tech's findings also point to a worrying trend: the use of the dark web in India has doubled over the past decade.

Kaushik cautioned internet users to adopt proactive measures to safeguard themselves.

"Avoid granting unnecessary permissions to applications or notifications that seek access to sensitive information, such as your phonebook or other applications," he advised.

As a leading cybersecurity firm specialising in audits and security assessments, Lisianthus Tech’s research underscores the urgent need for heightened digital vigilance.

With cybercriminals increasingly exploiting the dark web, India faces an escalating battle to protect its digital ecosystem.

This study serves as a stark reminder that as technology evolves, so too do the methods employed by those seeking to exploit it.

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