Cyber Crime
I4C’s Battle Against Cyber Frauds: Rs 1,127 Crore Blocked, Rs 10,300 Crore Lost
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) disclosed that cybercriminals have siphoned off more than Rs 10,300 crore from the country since April 1, 2021. However, authorities successfully thwarted approximately Rs 1,127 crore of these illicit transactions within the country, according to an announcement made by I4C on Wednesday.
Skyrocketing Cases Reported on National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP)
Reported cases of cybercrime have surged significantly, with over 4.52 lakh incidents logged on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) in 2021. This figure experienced a staggering increase of 113.7 per cent in 2022, reaching 9.66 lakh cases, as highlighted by Rajesh Kumar, Director of I4C, during a media interaction. Kumar emphasized that scams related to Work from Home (WFH) or part-time job offers topped the list of reported cybercrimes in 2023, closely followed by illegal lending apps.
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Insights into Cybercrime Modus Operandi
CEO Rajesh Kumar shed light on the primary methods employed by scamsters, pointing out that digital advertisements, online messenger channels, and bulk SMS are the major avenues used to approach victims. He underscored that fraudulent schemes involving fake customer care numbers and Android malware contribute significantly to cyber fraud, often used to pilfer crucial credentials like OTPs.
I4C’s Role in Addressing Cybercrime Challenges
Established by the Ministry of Home Affairs, I4C operates as a framework facilitating coordinated efforts among law enforcement agencies to combat cybercrime comprehensively. In 2023 alone, NCRP recorded a staggering 15.56 lakh cybercrime cases, marking a growth rate slowdown of 60.9 per cent compared to 2022.
Mitigating Cyber Threats and International Challenges
Kumar highlighted the global nature of cyber threats, with around 50 per cent of attacks orchestrated by criminal groups operating from countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, and China. He acknowledged the challenges in restoring funds to victims and mentioned the government’s plan to introduce new Standard Operating Procedures for expediting the reimbursement process.
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Regional Trends and Recent Successes
Kumar delineated regional trends in cybercrime activities, emphasizing the prevalence of Sextortion and online booking-related scams in areas near Delhi. Additionally, gangs operating from regions like Jharkhand leverage tactics such as KYC expiry and Android banking malware to extract money from unsuspecting individuals.
He also mentioned various cybercrime instances involving investment apps, part-time job offers, Ponzi schemes, illegal lending applications, customer care centers, Android malware, social media account takeovers, and sextortion.
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Recent Victories and Technological Innovations
In the ongoing battle against cybercriminals, Kumar highlighted recent successes, including the prevention of a major cyber attack targeting the G-20 website. Additionally, Indian agencies successfully rescued citizens trapped in Myanmar, where they were coerced into committing cyber fraud.
A newly developed software called ‘Pratibimb’ has been deployed at the state level to assist police forces in locating cybercriminals operating within their jurisdictions. The software, coupled with swift actions, has notably reduced cybercrime activities in areas like Deoghar and Jamtara in Jharkhand.
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“The software provides the origin location of the call, enabling jurisdictional police officers to take prompt action. It also offers information about the sale point of the SIM,” stated Kumar, highlighting the software’s effectiveness. Consequently, these efforts led to 454 arrests in the last month alone.
As India grapples with the escalating challenges posed by cybercrime, initiatives like ‘Pratibimb’ and collaborative efforts among law enforcement agencies are crucial in combating and curbing the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals.
Key Statistics
- Rs 10,300 Cr siphoned off since April 2021
- 15.56 Lakh cases reported in 2023
- 60.9% increase in cases from 2022
- 50% of attacks from international gangs
- Rs 1,127 Cr blocked by agencies
Most Common Cybercrimes
- WFH and part-time job scams
- Illegal lending apps
- Android malware
- Sextortion
- Online booking scams
- OLX frauds
- KYC expiry scams
- Investment app scams
- Ponzi schemes
Notable Successes
- Thwarted DDoS attack on G-20 website
- Rescued citizens from cybercrime traps in Myanmar
- Developed ‘Pratibimb’ software to locate cybercriminals
- Significant reduction in cases in Deoghar and Jamtara
Future Plans
- Streamline victim compensation procedures
- Strengthen international collaboration
- Raise awareness about cybercrime prevention
- Develop more innovative tools to combat cybercrime
Key Takeaways
- Cybercrime is a growing menace in India, but agencies are fighting back.
- Be vigilant and protect yourself from online scams.
- Report any cybercrime incidents to the I4C.
- Stay informed about the latest cybercrime trends.