2026: A New Era of Cybercrime and Cybersecurity
In the past decade, we perceived cybercrime as merely clicking a suspicious link or sharing an OTP. However, in this 2026 landscape, cybercriminals have become ‘smart’ by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI). While the rapid advancement of technology has undoubtedly made our lives easier, it is equally a bitter truth that it is pushing us into the whirlpool of ‘digital extortion’ at the same speed.
In my columns over the last two weeks, I provided a comprehensive overview of the major steps taken by the Indian and State governments in 2025, the new laws implemented, their impacts, and cybercrime statistics. In today’s column, I will explain the new cybercrimes that will haunt us in 2026, as well as the strict measures and new laws the Central and State governments are set to implement to prevent cyber fraud.
New Cybercrimes Emerging in 2026
- Deepfakes and Voice Cloning: Using just 30 seconds of your voice, AI technology can create audio that sounds exactly like you. Scams where fraudsters call your family members in your voice saying, “I am in trouble, please send money,” will become common in 2026. Furthermore, the number of AI-generated deepfake images or videos—where it is nearly impossible to distinguish between real and fake—will increase, leading to a rise in associated frauds.
- Hacking of Smart Devices (IoT Attacks): Techniques to hack the software of smart lights, refrigerators, ACs, or cars in our homes to steal personal information will escalate.
- AI-Powered Identity Theft: Fraudsters will use AI tools to create fake social media profiles to gain your trust and steal your data. This will lead to an increase in identity theft and “impersonation” scams to obtain bank loans or credit cards in your name.
Government Measures and Laws to Prevent Cyber Fraud
- Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules: India’s Data Protection Act will be fully operational in 2026. The ‘Data Protection Board of India’ has been empowered to impose heavy fines of up to 250 crore rupees on companies if data breaches occur.
- TRAI Initiatives: Moving forward, calls from banks or financial institutions must mandatory begin with the prefix +91-1600. This helps citizens easily distinguish between authentic and fake calls. Additionally, starting January 1st, a TRAI mandate will display the caller’s name alongside the number to identify the source of the call.
- Cyber Security Policy: The Karnataka government will spend approximately 103.87 crore rupees on cybersecurity over the next five years. There is a plan to modernize 43 Cyber Crime, Economic Offences, and Narcotics (CEN) police stations in the state.
- Fact-Check Unit: Under the Karnataka Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, the state government has activated a specialized unit to detect fake news and deepfake videos in 2026. This will help prevent electoral malpractice and social unrest. Sharing misinformation or deepfakes on social media can now lead to 2 to 7 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to 10 lakh rupees.
- Skill Development: In 2026, in collaboration with organizations like Cisco, cybersecurity training is being provided to over 40,000 people. Awareness programs on ‘Digital Safety’ have also been organized for 10 lakh school children.
My Outlook for 2026
In 2026, as cybercriminals utilize AI technology more extensively, the government will respond by deploying AI-based automated investigation tools on a large scale. New guidelines and increased technical expertise will be introduced to curb frauds involving cryptocurrency and virtual digital assets. Better coordination between the ‘Suspect Registry’ and the banking sector will make the detection of “mule accounts” faster, strengthening systems to prevent your money from reaching fraudsters. Overall, in 2026, technology will continue to evolve as a protective shield for citizens.
