Cyber attacks are no longer limited to data theft and financial fraud—they are increasingly posing direct risks to human life, a senior cybersecurity expert has warned.
Gaurav Shukla, Partner and Leader for Cyber at Deloitte South Asia, said the growing integration of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) has significantly expanded vulnerabilities across critical sectors.
“For the past two years, cyber threats have moved beyond IT systems and are now targeting critical infrastructure,” Shukla said, highlighting how industries such as aviation, healthcare, transport and public utilities are increasingly exposed.
From Data Breaches to Life-Threatening Risks
Shukla underscored how cyber risks have evolved from financial losses to potentially life-threatening situations. He illustrated the severity with an example of connected vehicles:
“If you are driving a connected car at high speed and suddenly lose control of the steering, the concern is no longer money—it is your life,” he said.
He also warned that cyber attacks on medical devices could manipulate patient data with fatal consequences, while breaches in power systems could trigger large-scale blackouts, disrupting entire regions.
Explosion of IoT Devices Increasing Vulnerabilities
A major concern, according to Shukla, is the rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. With over 30 billion connected sensors globally—far exceeding the world’s population—attackers now have far more entry points to exploit.
This widespread connectivity, while enabling convenience and efficiency, has also created a complex and fragile digital ecosystem where even a small breach can have cascading effects.
India Stack Praised, But Risks Remain
Shukla praised India’s Digital Public Infrastructure, commonly known as India Stack, calling it a global benchmark. Deloitte is currently advising around 24 countries on building similar frameworks.
However, he cautioned that as India Stack expands into sectors like healthcare and education, new vulnerabilities are emerging at every integration point. With the platform accounting for a significant share of India’s digital payments, ensuring its cybersecurity is now a matter of national importance.
AI Amplifying Cyber Threats
Artificial intelligence is further intensifying cyber risks. Shukla noted that attackers are increasingly using AI to scale and accelerate attacks, making them more sophisticated and harder to detect.
“Continuous testing against supply chain vulnerabilities and AI-driven threats will be critical,” he said.
Call For Early Cybersecurity Education
Drawing a contrast between traditional warfare and cyber warfare, Shukla said digital conflicts are continuous and require constant vigilance and collaboration between governments, industries and academia.
He also stressed the need to introduce cybersecurity awareness and digital ethics at the school level.
“Just like language forms the foundation of learning, cybersecurity awareness will become equally essential in the future,” he added.