The digital battlefield: How rogue websites threaten corporations and consumers 

In an era where digital transformation is reshaping industries, a sinister force is growing in the shadows: rogue websites. These illicit platforms, used for phishing, brand impersonation, piracy, and cyber fraud, have become a massive concern for corporations and consumers alike. The rising tide of cyber threats has prompted Indian courts, particularly the Delhi High Court, to advocate for a robust legal framework to curb e-infringement. But will such interventions be enough to counter the ever-evolving landscape of online threats? 

The alarming surge of rogue websites 

India’s rapid digitalization has made it a lucrative target for cybercriminals. The Data Security Council of India’s Cyber Threat Report 2025 highlights a significant surge in rogue websites targeting major Indian corporations. The Digital Risks Trend 2023 by Group-IB reported a 304 percent year-on-year increase in scam websites globally, with India emerging as a major target. Further, an Inc42 report (2024) noted a 261 percent rise in cyberattacks on Indian websites, especially within the banking and finance sectors. 

Financial implications are staggering. Between January and April 2024, cyber frauds resulted in Rs 1.76 billion (US$20.5 million) in losses, while the Indian Cyber Coordination Centre (I4C) recorded a 60.9 percent increase in cybercrime cases between 2022 and 2023, exceeding Rs 100 billion (US$1.16 billion) in losses over three years. From fraudulent e-commerce platforms to illegal online betting sites, rogue websites exploit unsuspecting consumers and businesses at an unprecedented scale. 

The dual threat to corporations and consumers 

The risks posed by rogue websites extend beyond financial loss. Consumers face data privacy breaches, identity theft, and phishing scams, while corporations suffer from brand dilution, reputational harm, and economic damage. According to cybersecurity firm CloudSEK, India is projected to witness nearly Rs200 billion (US$2.3 billion) in cybercrime-related losses by 2025, with rogue websites being a primary vector. 

Among the most concerning tactics employed by these websites are: 

1. Phishing attacks: Deceptive sites mimic trusted brands to steal user credentials. 

2. Piracy and content theft: The piracy economy in India, valued at Rs224 billion in 2023, causes significant losses to media and entertainment industries. 

3. Fake ecommerce sites: Fraudulent platforms dupe consumers into making payments for non-existent products. 

4. Financial scams: Fraudulent investment websites prey on unsuspecting investors. 

For consumers, these threats translate into unauthorized transactions, personal data leaks, and even social and financial reputational damage. In some cases, cybercriminals exploit stolen Aadhaar or PAN details to engage in illicit activities, creating severe consequences for the victims. 

Defensive strategies: How to combat the menace of rogue websites 

Both corporations and consumers must adopt stringent cybersecurity measures to safeguard against these threats. Organizations should implement multi-layered security frameworks that include: 

• Web application firewalls (WAFs): Blocking access to fraudulent domains. 

• Regular penetration testing: Identifying vulnerabilities before cybercriminals exploit them. 

• Threat intelligence monitoring: Leveraging AI-driven security solutions to detect suspicious activity. 

• Legal recourse: Filing takedown requests and seeking judicial intervention to block rogue domains. 

For consumers, simple but effective practices can help mitigate risks: 

• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of security to accounts. 

• Verify websites before transactions: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or advertisements. 

• Use cybersecurity tools: Install antivirus software and browser security extensions. 

• Report suspicious activity: Organizations like CERT-In provide mechanisms to flag fraudulent websites. 

Government initiatives such as Cyber Dost and Cyber Jaagrookta Diwas play a crucial role in educating the public about digital risks, emphasizing awareness as the first line of defense. 

The Delhi High Court’s push for a legal framework 

Recognizing the urgent need for regulatory intervention, the Delhi High Court has proposed a dedicated legal framework to address e-commerce infringement. The landmark ruling in Lifestyle Equities CV v. Amazon, which resulted in Rs3.4 billion (US$39.5 million) in damages for trademark infringement, underscores the necessity of stricter platform accountability. 

The proposed legal framework is expected to introduce: 

• Mandatory verification of online sellers: Ensuring that e-commerce platforms authenticate their vendors. 

• Swift takedown mechanisms: Empowering regulatory bodies to block rogue websites efficiently. 

• Stronger IP protection: Holding platforms accountable for hosting counterfeit or pirated goods. 

• Cross-border enforcement: Addressing jurisdictional challenges in tackling international rogue websites. 

While these measures mark a positive step, enforcement remains a significant hurdle. Cybercriminals often operate from foreign jurisdictions, making legal action difficult. Additionally, e-commerce infringers continuously evolve their tactics to evade detection. Without adaptive regulations, rogue websites may continue to exploit legal loopholes. 

The road ahead: A collective fight against cyber threats 

The rise of rogue websites represents a persistent challenge in India’s digital landscape. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, corporations, consumers, and legal bodies must work in tandem to combat online fraud. 

The Delhi High Court’s push for a structured e-infringement framework is a step in the right direction, but collaborative efforts including technological advancements, stringent legal enforcement, and proactive cybersecurity practices are necessary to mitigate risks effectively. 

Only through constant vigilance, legal clarity, and digital literacy can India hope to secure its cyberspace and curb the menace of rogue websites. The battle is far from over, but with the right strategies, stakeholders can fortify their digital defenses and reclaim control over an increasingly vulnerable online ecosystem.