Government Initiatives Show Significant Progress in Combating Cyber Crimes in India

New Delhi:  In its latest publication “Crime in India” for the year 2022, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has reported a comprehensive overview of the state of cyber crimes in the country. Highlighting the efforts made by the government to address these challenges, the report sheds light on various initiatives aimed at prevention, detection, and prosecution.

The Constitution of India designates ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ as State subjects under the Seventh Schedule, making States and Union Territories (UTs) primarily responsible for handling cyber crimes through their Law Enforcement Agencies. To enhance their capabilities, the Central Government has established the ‘Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre’ (I4C) through the Ministry of Home Affairs.

A crucial component of the I4C is the ‘National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal’ (https://cybercrime.gov.in), which enables the public to report all types of cyber crimes, with a specific focus on crimes against women and children. This portal serves as a vital tool for citizens to bring incidents to the attention of law enforcement agencies, ensuring prompt action.

As part of the I4C, the ‘Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System’ has been launched, resulting in savings of over Rs. 1200 Crore in more than 4.7 lakh complaints since its inception. The system aims to prevent the siphoning off of funds by fraudsters, with a toll-free helpline number ‘1930’ in place for online cyber complaint assistance. The government has successfully blocked over 3.2 lakhs SIM cards and 49,000 IMEIs reported by police authorities to curb fraudulent activities.

The Computer Emergency Response Team-India (CERT-In) plays a crucial role by issuing alerts and advisories on cyber threats and vulnerabilities. Collaborating with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), CERT-In advises authorized entities and banks to conduct special audits, rectify non-compliances, and implement security best practices to protect financial systems.

To raise awareness, the government has implemented a multi-pronged approach, including SMS dissemination, social media campaigns through platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram, radio campaigns, and collaboration with MyGov for publicity across various mediums. Additionally, the government has organized Cyber Safety and Security Awareness weeks in partnership with States/UTs and published handbooks targeting adolescents and students.

These initiatives collectively aim to strengthen the country’s defense against cyber crimes and create widespread awareness to empower citizens in the digital age. The government’s commitment to addressing this evolving threat is evident through the proactive measures taken to safeguard the nation’s digital landscape.