India’s Quantum Leap Startups Selected for Support Under the NQM and the NMIC-PS
Introduction
Quantum technology involves the study of matter and energy at the sub-atomic level. This technology uses superposition and entanglement to provide new capabilities in computing, cryptography and communication and solves problems at speeds not possible with classical computers. Unlike classical bits, qubits can exist in a superposition of states, representing 0, 1, or any combination of these states simultaneously. The Union Cabinet approved the National Quantum Mission on 19 April 2023, with a budget allocation of Rs 6000 Crore. The mission will seed, nourish, and scale up scientific and industrial R&D in the domain of quantum technology so that India emerges as one of the leaders in developing quantum technologies and their applications.
The Union Minister for Science and Technology and Minister of Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the selection of 8 start-ups for support under India’s National Quantum Mission and the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS). The selected start-ups represent diverse quantum tech domains and were chosen via a rigorous evaluation process. These startups are poised to be critical enablers in translating quantum research into practical applications. This start-up selection aligns with India’s broader vision for technological self-reliance and innovation by 2047.
Policy Landscape and Vision
The National Quantum Mission’s main goal is to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years, across diverse platforms such as superconducting and photonic technology. The mission deliverables include the development of satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2000 km within India, long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries, inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km, and multi-node quantum networks with quantum memories.
The National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems aims to promote translational research in Cyber-Physical Systems and associated technologies and prototypes and demonstrates applications for national priorities. The other expectations are enhancing the top-of-the-line research base, human resource development and skill sets in these emerging areas. These missions align with India’s broader ideals such as the Digital India and Make in India campaigns to strengthen India’s technological ecosystem.
Selected Startups and Their Innovations
The startups selected reflect alignment with India’s National Quantum Mission, oriented towards fostering cutting-edge research and innovation and have industrial applications aiming at placing India as the global leader in quantum technology. The selections are:
- QNu Labs (Bengaluru): is advancing quantum communication by developing end-to-end quantum-safe heterogeneous networks.
- QPiAI India Pvt. Ltd. (Bengaluru): is building a superconducting quantum computer.
- Dimira Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (IIT Mumbai): is creating indigenous cryogenic cables, essential for quantum computing.
- Prenishq Pvt. Ltd. (IIT Delhi): developing precision diode-laser systems.
- QuPrayog Pvt. Ltd. (Pune): is working on creating optical atomic clocks and related technologies.
- Quanastra Pvt. Ltd. (Delhi): is developing advanced cryogenics and superconducting detectors.
- Pristine Diamonds Pvt. Ltd. (Ahmedabad): is creating diamond materials for quantum sensing.
- Quan2D Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Bengaluru): is making advancements in superconducting Nanowire Single-photon Detectors.
References
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Disclaimer:
This report is based on extensive research conducted by CyberPeace Research using publicly available information, and advanced analytical techniques. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions presented are based on the data available at the time of study and aim to provide insights into global ransomware trends.
The statistics mentioned in this report are specific to the scope of this research and may vary based on the scope and resources of other third-party studies. Additionally, all data referenced is based on claims made by threat actors and does not imply confirmation of the breach by CyberPeace. CyberPeace includes this detail solely to provide factual transparency and does not condone any unlawful activities. This information is shared only for research purposes and to spread awareness. CyberPeace encourages individuals and organizations to adopt proactive cybersecurity measures to protect against potential threats.
CyberPeace Research does not claim to have identified or attributed specific cyber incidents to any individual, organization, or nation-state beyond the scope of publicly observable activities and available information. All analyses and references are intended for informational and awareness purposes only, without any intention to defame, accuse, or harm any entity.
While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, CyberPeace Research is not liable for any errors, omissions, subsequent interpretations and any unlawful activities of the findings by third parties. The report is intended to inform and support cybersecurity efforts globally and should be used as a guide to foster proactive measures against cyber threats.
Executive Summary:
The 2024 ransomware landscape reveals alarming global trends, with 166 Threat Actor Groups leveraging 658 servers/underground resources and mirrors to execute 5,233 claims across 153 countries. Monthly fluctuations in activity indicate strategic, cyclical targeting, with peak periods aligned with vulnerabilities in specific sectors and regions. The United States was the most targeted nation, followed by Canada, the UK, Germany, and other developed countries, with the northwestern hemisphere experiencing the highest concentration of attacks. Business Services and Healthcare bore the brunt of these operations due to their high-value data, alongside targeted industries such as Pharmaceuticals, Mechanical, Metal, Electronics, and Government-related professional firms. Retail, Financial, Technology, and Energy sectors were also significantly impacted.
This research was conducted by CyberPeace Research using a systematic modus operandi, which included advanced OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) techniques, continuous monitoring of Ransomware Group activities, and data collection from 658 servers and mirrors globally. The team utilized data scraping, pattern analysis, and incident mapping to track trends and identify hotspots of ransomware activity. By integrating real-time data and geographic claims, the research provided a comprehensive view of sectoral and regional impacts, forming the basis for actionable insights.
The findings emphasize the urgent need for proactive Cybersecurity strategies, robust defenses, and global collaboration to counteract the evolving and persistent threats posed by ransomware.
Overview:
This report provides insights into ransomware activities monitored throughout 2024. Data was collected by observing 166 Threat Actor Groups using ransomware technologies across 658 servers/underground resources and mirrors, resulting in 5,233 claims worldwide. The analysis offers a detailed examination of global trends, targeted sectors, and geographical impact.
Top 10 Threat Actor Groups:
The ransomware group ‘ransomhub’ has emerged as the leading threat actor, responsible for 527 incidents worldwide. Following closely are ‘lockbit3’ with 522 incidents and ‘play’ with 351. Other Groups are ‘akira’, ‘hunters’, ‘medusa’, ‘blackbasta’, ‘qilin’, ‘bianlian’, ‘incransom’. These groups usually employ advanced tactics to target critical sectors, highlighting the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to mitigate their impact and protect organizations from such threats.
Monthly Ransomware Incidents:
In January 2024, the value began at 284, marking the lowest point on the chart. The trend rose steadily in the subsequent months, reaching its first peak at 557 in May 2024. However, after this peak, the value dropped sharply to 339 in June. A gradual recovery follows, with the value increasing to 446 by August. September sees another decline to 389, but a sharp rise occurs afterward, culminating in the year’s highest point of 645 in November. The year concludes with a slight decline, ending at 498 in December 2024 (till 28th of December).
Top 10 Targeted Countries:
- The United States consistently topped the list as the primary target probably due to its advanced economic and technological infrastructure.
- Other heavily targeted nations include Canada, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Brazil, Spain, and India.
- A total of 153 countries reported ransomware attacks, reflecting the global scale of these cyber threats
Top Affected Sectors:
- Business Services and Healthcare faced the brunt of ransomware threat due to the sensitive nature of their operations.
- Specific industries under threats:
- Pharmaceutical, Mechanical, Metal, and Electronics industries.
- Professional firms within the Government sector.
- Other sectors:
- Retail, Financial, Technology, and Energy sectors were also significant targets.
Geographical Impact:
The continuous and precise OSINT(Open Source Intelligence) work on the platform, performed as a follow-up action to data scraping, allows a complete view of the geography of cyber attacks based on their claims. The northwestern region of the world appears to be the most severely affected by Threat Actor groups. The figure below clearly illustrates the effects of this geographic representation on the map.
Ransomware Threat Trends in India:
In 2024, the research identified 98 ransomware incidents impacting various sectors in India, marking a 55% increase compared to the 63 incidents reported in 2023. This surge highlights a concerning trend, as ransomware groups continue to target India's critical sectors due to its growing digital infrastructure and economic prominence.
Top Threat Actors Group Targeted India:
Among the following threat actors ‘killsec’ is the most frequent threat. ‘lockbit3’ follows as the second most prominent threat, with significant but lower activity than killsec. Other groups, such as ‘ransomhub’, ‘darkvault’, and ‘clop’, show moderate activity levels. Entities like ‘bianlian’, ‘apt73/bashe’, and ‘raworld’ have low frequencies, indicating limited activity. Groups such as ‘aps’ and ‘akira’ have the lowest representation, indicating minimal activity. The chart highlights a clear disparity in activity levels among these threats, emphasizing the need for targeted cybersecurity strategies.
Top Impacted Sectors in India:
The pie chart illustrates the distribution of incidents across various sectors, highlighting that the industrial sector is the most frequently targeted, accounting for 75% of the total incidents. This is followed by the healthcare sector, which represents 12% of the incidents, making it the second most affected. The finance sector accounts for 10% of the incidents, reflecting a moderate level of targeting. In contrast, the government sector experiences the least impact, with only 3% of the incidents, indicating minimal targeting compared to the other sectors. This distribution underscores the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity measures, particularly in the industrial sector, while also addressing vulnerabilities in healthcare, finance, and government domains.
Month Wise Incident Trends in India:
The chart indicates a fluctuating trend with notable peaks in May and October, suggesting potential periods of heightened activity or incidents during these months. The data starts at 5 in January and drops to its lowest point, 2, in February. It then gradually increases to 6 in March and April, followed by a sharp rise to 14 in May. After peaking in May, the metric significantly declines to 4 in June but starts to rise again, reaching 7 in July and 8 in August. September sees a slight dip to 5 before the metric spikes dramatically to its highest value, 24, in October. Following this peak, the count decreases to 10 in November and then drops further to 7 in December.
CyberPeace Advisory:
- Implement Data Backup and Recovery Plans: Backups are your safety net. Regularly saving copies of your important data ensures you can bounce back quickly if ransomware strikes. Make sure these backups are stored securely—either offline or in a trusted cloud service—to avoid losing valuable information or facing extended downtime.
- Enhance Employee Awareness and Training: People often unintentionally open the door to ransomware. By training your team to spot phishing emails, social engineering tricks, and other scams, you empower them to be your first line of defense against attacks.
- Adopt Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Think of MFA as locking your door and adding a deadbolt. Even if attackers get hold of your password, they’ll still need that second layer of verification to break in. It’s an easy and powerful way to block unauthorized access.
- Utilize Advanced Threat Detection Tools: Smart tools can make a world of difference. AI-powered systems and behavior-based monitoring can catch ransomware activity early, giving you a chance to stop it in its tracks before it causes real damage.
- Conduct Regular Vulnerability Assessments: You can’t fix what you don’t know is broken. Regularly checking for vulnerabilities in your systems helps you identify weak spots. By addressing these issues proactively, you can stay one step ahead of attackers.
Conclusion:
The 2024 ransomware landscape reveals the critical need for proactive cybersecurity strategies. High-value sectors and technologically advanced regions remain the primary targets, emphasizing the importance of robust defenses. As we move into 2025, it is crucial to anticipate the evolution of ransomware tactics and adopt forward-looking measures to address emerging threats.
Global collaboration, continuous innovation in cybersecurity technologies, and adaptive strategies will be imperative to counteract the persistent and evolving threats posed by ransomware activities. Organizations and governments must prioritize preparedness and resilience, ensuring that lessons learned in 2024 are applied to strengthen defenses and minimize vulnerabilities in the year ahead.
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Incident Overview
Earlier this week, the Chinese media reported that several ‘Macau’ government websites were hacked, indicating a significant targeted cyberattack. The hacked website includes those of the office of the Secretary for Security, the public security police, the fire services department and the Security Forces Services Bureau. It was reported that the police have launched a criminal investigation to trace the source of the crime. Furthermore, officials believe the source of the intrusion was likely from overseas, and authorities have carried out an emergency response in conjunction with telecommunication operators to restore affected services on a priority basis. The densely populated Macau is a special administrative region on the south coast of China and the cyber attacks on the essential government website of China raise a serious concern.
Response and Mitigation
Macau's authorities carried out an emergency response in collaboration with telecommunication operators to restore regular services as a distributed denial-of-service attack (DDoS) was reported to be carried out on certain government websites which resulted in the inactivity of those several websites. The country's security forces instructed Macau Telecom to investigate the incident and submit a report and improvement plan to prevent similar attacks in the future.
Context and Implications
The hack on the government websites of Macau is not a single incident; rather, it is a part of an increasing pattern of cyberattacks on the region's vital infrastructure. According to a recent report, the frequency of cybercrimes has tripled since 2020, targeting Macau's critical infrastructure, which is worrying. This pattern draws attention to the growing threats that public sector organisations and governments throughout the world confront.
Final Words
In light of such sophisticated attacks targeting vital infrastructure or critical government operations, it is imperative that the country ensure powerful cybersecurity strategies and measures. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures, developing incident response planning, regular security checks, employee training on cyber hygiene, public awareness and capacity building and international collaboration to jointly develop and plan counteract strategies is a crucial step to build safeguards against such cyber threats.
The incident of a cyberattack on the government websites of Macau serves stark reminder of the evolving threats and cybersecurity challenges, it is a serious concern when critical government websites are compromised by malicious actors. It highlights the necessity for continuous vigilance and cybersecurity measures in place to counter such cyber attacks. A comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, the government can enhance their overall cybersecurity posture, establish resilience against such threats in future, and save the functionality of essential government websites.
References:
- https://macaudailytimes.com.mo/websites-of-office-of-the-secretary-for-security-targeted-in-a-cyber-attack.html
- https://www.reuters.com/world/china/several-macau-government-websites-hacked-says-chinese-state-media-2024-07-11/
- https://4imag.com/several-macau-government-websites-hacked-says-chinese-state-media/
- https://www.aol.com/news/several-macau-government-websites-hacked-001435511.htmlhttps://therecord.media/macau-government-websites-hit-with-cyberattack
- https://macaonews.org/news/city/macau-cyberattacks-cyber-security-attacks-macao/
Introduction:
Apple is known for its unique innovations and designs. Apple, with the introduction of the iPhone 15 series, now will come up with the USB-C by complying with European Union(EU) regulations. The standard has been set by the European Union’s rule for all mobile devices. The new iPhone will now come up with USB-C. However there is a little caveat here, you will be able to use any USB-C cable to charge or transfer from your iPhone. European Union approved new rules to make it compulsory for tech companies to ensure a universal charging port is introduced for electronic gadgets like mobile phones, tablets, cameras, e-readers, earbuds and other devices by the end of next year.
The new iPhone will now come up with USB-C. However, Apple being Apple, will limit third-party USB-C cables. This means Apple-owned MFI-certified cable will have an optimised charging speed and a faster data transfer speed. MFI stands for 'Made for iPhone/iPad' and is a quality mark or testing program from Apple for Lightning cables and other products. The MFI-certified product ensures safety and improved performance.
European Union's regulations on common charging port:
The new iPhone will have a type-c USB port. EU rules have made it mandatory that all phones and laptops need to have one USB-C charging port. IPhone will be switching to USB-C from the lightning port. European Union's mandate for all mobile device makers to adopt this technology. EU has set a deadline for all new phones to use USB-C for wired charging by the end of 2024. These EU rules will be applicable to all devices, such as tablets, digital cameras, headphones, handheld video game consoles, etc. And will apply to devices that offer wired charging. The EU rules require that phone manufacturers adopt a common charging connection. The mobile manufacturer or relevant industry has to comply with these rules by the end of 2024. The rules are enacted with the intent to save consumers money and cut waste. EU stated that these rules will save consumers from unnecessary charger purchases and tonnes of cut waste per year. With the implementation of these rules, the phone manufacturers have to comply with it, and customers will be able to use a single charger for their different devices. It will strengthen the speed of data transfer in new iPhone models. The iPhone will also be compatible with chargers used by non-apple users, i.e. USB-C.
Indian Standards on USB-C Type Charging Ports in India
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has also issued standards for USB-C-type chargers. The standards aim to provide a solution of a common charger for all different charging devices. Consumers will not need to purchase multiple chargers for their different devices, ultimately leading to a reduction in the number of chargers per consumer. This would contribute to the Government of India's goal of reducing e-waste and moving toward sustainable development.
Conclusion:
New EU rules require all mobile phone devices, including iPhones, to have a USB-C connector for their charging ports. Notably, now you can see the USB-C port on the upcoming iPhone 15. These rules will enable the customers to use a single charger for their different Apple devices, such as iPads, Macs and iPhones. Talking about the applicability of these rules, the EU common-charger rule will cover small and medium-sized portable electronics, which will include mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, mice and keyboards, digital cameras, handheld videogame consoles, portable speakers, etc. Such devices are mandated to have USB-C charging ports if they offer the wired charging option. Laptops will also be covered under these rules, but they are given more time to adopt the changes and abide by these rules. Overall, this step will help in reducing e-waste and moving toward sustainable development.
References:
https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-66708571
