This review took place at the 5th India-Japan Cyber Dialogue in Tokyo
In a move to further deepen relations between India and Japan in cyber-related areas, the two countries held a Cyber Dialogue in Tokyo and reviewed the progress achieved in the domain of cybersecurity, information and communication technologies (ICTs), including 5G technology.
 
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Cyber Dialogue, held on September 14, allowed both countries an opportunity to discuss latest developments in cyber domain and mutual cooperation at the United Nations and other multilateral and regional fora, including under the Quad framework.
 
It was the fifth edition of Cyber Dialogue and India was represented by Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary, Cyber Diplomacy Division, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The  Japanese delegation was led by Ishizuki Hideo, Ambassador in-charge of Cyber Policy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
 
Indian delegation comprised senior officials of the MEA, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in), National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIP) and the Embassy of India in Tokyo.
 
The Japanese side was represented by senior officials from National Centre of Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication (MIC), Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), MOFA and other concerned departments.
 
With an increase in internet activity, like online transactions, data phishing activities, there has been a rapid rise in cyber-crimes. India, having one of the highest numbers of internet users in the world, is one of the top-10 countries facing cyber-attacks.
 
In the first half of 2023, it saw a huge surge in ransomware ad IoT cyber-attacks as criminals shifted to stealthier means of malicious activities, according to a report by SonicWall, a US-based cybersecurity company.
 
India witnessed a 133% surge in ransomware attacks, Germany 52%, while major economies like the US and the UK saw a decline in ransomware attacks, SonicWall said in its Mid-Year Cyber Threat Report for January-June period.
 
However, cyber-crimes are not only limited to hacking and money related frauds but have become critical from a national security point of view.