Ransomware Threatens South Asia's Critical Infrastructure

Executive Summary

As of March 2026, ransomware attacks have escalated in South Asia, with cybercriminal groups increasingly targeting critical infrastructure sectors such as power grids, water systems, industrial control systems (ICS), healthcare, and the financial sector. These attacks pose significant national security risks, disrupting essential services and compromising sensitive data.

Key Threat Actors

• Qilin: A Russian-speaking cybercrime organization, Qilin has been active since at least 2022. They have targeted various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services. In 2025, Qilin was identified as the most active ransomware group globally, with a significant number of victims in South Asia. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Yurei: An emerging ransomware group that has expanded its operations through 2025, focusing on industrial, food supply, and retail sectors. Yurei has claimed multiple victims in South Asia, including organizations in India and Sri Lanka. (cyfirma.com)

Targeted Sectors and Impact

• Power Grids and Water Systems: Ransomware attacks on ICS have been reported globally, with tools like Pipedream capable of targeting programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used in critical infrastructure. While specific incidents in South Asia are limited, the region's reliance on ICS makes it a potential target. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Healthcare: The healthcare sector has been a prime target for ransomware groups. Qilin, for instance, has been linked to attacks on hospitals in London and has targeted healthcare organizations in South Asia. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Financial Sector: Ransomware attacks on financial institutions have been reported, with groups like Qilin and Yurei targeting banks and financial services in South Asia. (ppln.co)

Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)

• Initial Access: Threat actors often gain access through phishing emails, exploiting vulnerabilities in public-facing applications, and using remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools. (flashpoint.io)

• Lateral Movement and Persistence: Once inside, attackers use tools like Cobalt Strike, Meterpreter, and AnyDesk for lateral movement. They establish persistence through scheduled tasks, registry modifications, and DLL side-loading. (ics-cert.kaspersky.com)

• Data Exfiltration and Encryption: Double extortion tactics are employed, where data is exfiltrated before encryption to pressure victims into paying ransoms. Ransomware variants like Agenda (Qilin) and Sainbox RAT (Yurei) have been observed in these attacks. (flashpoint.io)

Recommendations

• Enhanced Cyber Hygiene: Organizations should implement robust security measures, including regular patching, network segmentation, and employee training to recognize phishing attempts.

• Incident Response Planning: Develop and regularly update incident response plans to ensure a swift and coordinated response to ransomware attacks.

• Collaboration and Information Sharing: Engage in information sharing with industry peers and governmental agencies to stay informed about emerging threats and best practices.

Conclusion

The increasing frequency and sophistication of ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure in South Asia underscore the need for heightened vigilance and proactive cybersecurity measures. By understanding the tactics employed by threat actors and implementing comprehensive defense strategies, organizations can better protect themselves against these evolving threats.

Highlights:

• India Ransomware Attacks 2025: Strategic Cyber Threat Analysis
• TRACKING RANSOMWARE : August 2025 - CYFIRMA, Published on Wednesday, September 10
• The Top Ransomware Groups Targeting the Healthcare Sector | Flashpoint, Published on Thursday, April 24