Cybercrime is a criminal activity that involves a computer, networked device or a network. Cybercrime destroys the system and generates profit for the cybercriminals. Some of the cybercrimes involve direct damage to the computers or devices and even disable them. Either spreading the malware, illegal information, images or any other irrelevant materials do such damage to the computers or the networks. The cybercriminals infect the computing devices with virus, which can even spread to other devices or to entire networks.
In India, financial losses from cybercrimes reached a staggering Rs.22, 845.73 crore in 2024, a 206 percent increase from the previous year’s Rs.7, 465.18 crore, with over 36 lakh fraud incidents reported. These figures come from the National Cyber Crime Portal (NCRP) and Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS) operated by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (14C). The increase highlights a rapid surge in digital financial frauds and cybercrime in the country.
The number of cybercrimes reported has been steadily increasing. In 2022, 65,893 cybercrime cases were registered. This marked a 24.4 percent increase compared to the 52,974 cases reported in 2021, according to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), with 15.6 lakh complaints in 2023, a 61 percent increase from 9.66 lakh in 2022. In 2024, the NCRP recorded 7,000 cybercrimes per day, with Delhi reporting the highest such crimes daily. The country is witnessing a cyber security crisis of unprecedented scale. The 14C predicts cyber frauds losses could exceed Rs.1.2 lakh crore in the coming year, amounting to 0.7 percent of the nation’s GDP. No wonder, India ranks 10th in the world Cybercrime Records.
The data is based on reported incidents on the government’s National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System. The government’s initiatives like the 14C and the CFCFRMS have been instrumental in collecting this. The increasing financial impact of cyber fraud is driven by a rise in sophisticated attacks like investment and advance-fee scams. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation are being leveraged to create more advanced cybercrimes, posing a growing threat to India’s digital future.
A multi-pronged approach involving the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (14C), which enhances national capability and coordination among law enforcement agencies; the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to facilitate online reporting and provide safety tips; capacity building initiatives like the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) Scheme to set up cyber forensic labs and train personnel, and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), which issues alerts and advisories on current threats.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) operates the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS) to track and manage the cybercrimes. The government is working to combat the cyber threats by promoting measures, using strong unique passwords, implementing two-factor authentication, upgrading bank systems to detect suspicious activity. The Central Government provides financial assistance to states and union territories for setting up cyber forensic labs, training personnel for developing a curriculum for handling cybercrimes against women and children.
As for the personal prevention measures, users of computing devices are enjoined to practice strong cyber hygiene like unique/strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible. The users are required to be cautious with links and attachments. They should never click on suspicious links or open attachments from unknown sources in emails, messages or social media. The users should also install anti-virus software and Internet security suites on their devices to protect cyber attacks or threats. The users are also required to be mindful of personal information to avoid the latest cyber threats and share safety tips with family and friends, especially children. They should secure webcams by covering them when not in use.
Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), tasked with issuing alerts and advisories on latest cyber threats, vulnerabilities and counter measures to protect computing devices and networks on regular basis, has so far issued 70 advisories for user organisations and users in general to create awareness on safe usage of digital technologies for proactive threat mitigation actions by them. The CERT-In has empanelled 97 security-auditing organisations to support and audit implementation of Information Security Best Practices. CERT-In has set up the National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) to generate necessary situational awareness of existing and potential cyber security threats. Phase-1 of NCCC is operational.
CERT-In Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) are conducting a self-paced 60 hours certification programme on Cyber Security Foundation Course for professionals in financial sector. CERT-In regularly disseminates information and share security tips on cyber safety and security through its official social media handles and websites. CERT-In, Reserve Bank of India and Digital India jointly carry out a cyber security awareness campaign on Beware and Be Aware of Financial Frauds through digital India platforms. Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) exercises direction, superintendence and control on all about cyber threats and safety measures. Precautionary, preventing and protective steps are the need of the times with attendant alertmindedness!
Md Yunus Siddiqui is a columnist. He has a great experience of Media Space.