Across the world, companies are struggling with a surge in cyberattacks around 2,000 attempts every week, according to recent reports. Despite growing awareness, many businesses, especially small and mid-sized ones, lack the tools to defend themselves, leaving critical data and systems at risk.
Several multinational companies (MNCs) have suffered major cyberattacks and data breaches in 2024 and 2025. On September 24, 2025, Stellantis confirmed a data breach affecting North American customer service operations. Sensitive user data was reportedly leaked, exposing customers to potential identity theft and fraud.
In BRICS nations, the threat has grown sharply. China saw cyber incidents rise by nearly 30% last year, while Brazil reported more advanced attacks on banks and e-commerce firms. In India, one in six companies faced major disruptions or data loss from cyberattacks, according to the recent data. Experts say that as firms go digital faster, their weak cybersecurity systems are becoming easy targets for criminals.
At a UN cybercrime convention, Sberbank’s Deputy Chairman Stanislav Kuznetsov presented global data showing the growing danger. He urged BRICS nations to work together under a proposed BRICS Cybersecurity Alliance, with plans to finalise a roadmap at the 2026 BRICS summit in India.
Hackers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to launch powerful attacks and create new viruses, mainly hitting government agencies, hospitals, banks, and other critical systems. Russia, too, has faced a threefold rise in attacks this year, but Sberbank says it has successfully blocked twice as many as last year.
“In times when cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and spreading worldwide, stronger partnerships are needed for sharing expertise, strengthening trust, and creating common standards and joint response mechanisms,” he said.
Adding to it he mentioned that, “Our initiative to create the BRICS Alliance will make a significant contribution to global cyber-resilience. I am confident that the idea of a secure digital future can unite governments, law enforcement agencies, CERT teams, technology companies, and scientific institutes of partner countries.” Kuznetsov added.
He also pointed to phone fraud as a growing issue. Over the past three years, such scams have risen by one-third, affecting about 600 million people worldwide, half of them in the Asia-Pacific region. Criminals are using methods like vishing, QR phishing, deepfakes and AI-driven scams to deceive victims.
Experts agree that closer cooperation and faster knowledge-sharing between countries are key to tackling these threats. If all BRICS members commit to the plan, the Cybersecurity Alliance could begin operating as early as 2027.
