SRINAGAR: The Government informed the parliament that it has significantly ramped up its efforts to combat the growing threat of cyber-crimes, announcing key measures including the freezing of SIM cards and IMEI numbers in response to fraudulent activities. This development follows a series of proactive steps taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs to address the escalating challenges posed by cyber-attacks and digital fraud, it added in response to a question.
In a statement in response to a query in the Lok Sabha on December 10, 2024, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, revealed that over 6.69 lakh SIM cards and 1.32 lakh IMEI numbers have been blocked by authorities as part of an ongoing crackdown on cyber fraudsters. These efforts were undertaken following reports from law enforcement agencies that highlighted the use of such devices in cybercrimes, particularly digital arrest scams and financial fraud.
The central government’s initiatives to tackle cybercrime are underpinned by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which was established to coordinate and address cyber-related offences across the country. This multi-faceted approach includes collaboration with global law enforcement agencies and the sharing of cybercrime-related data, facilitated through platforms such as the G7 24/7 network.
The I4C has also created the Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC), a dedicated hub where banks, telecom service providers, and law enforcement agencies collaborate in real-time to block fraudulent transactions and tackle cybercrime. This centre has been instrumental in preventing the transfer of illicit funds, blocking 8.6 lakh mule accounts and speeding up the response time of banks to cyber fraud.
Other key initiatives have focused on enhancing cyber security infrastructure and training law enforcement agencies (LEAs). The Cyber Swachhta Kendra, for instance, works to detect and remove malware, while the National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) is responsible for generating situational awareness of cyber security threats. Furthermore, regular cyber security mock drills are conducted to assess and strengthen the preparedness of organisations across government and critical sectors.
The government has also launched an array of public awareness campaigns to protect citizens from online fraud. These campaigns utilise multiple platforms, including print media, social media influencers, and public announcements, to inform the public about common scams and how to avoid them. In addition, the ‘National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal’ has been set up to help citizens report cyber crimes, particularly those targeting women and children.
In terms of capacity building, the government has made substantial progress in training law enforcement personnel. As of October 2024, more than 32,000 officers have undergone training in securing IT infrastructure and mitigating cyber threats. The I4C has also introduced the ‘CyTrain’ online platform, providing training on critical aspects of cyber crime investigation, forensics, and prosecution. Over 98,000 police officers from across the country have registered for courses on the portal.
To further strengthen the country’s capabilities in cybercrime prevention, the Ministry of Home Affairs has provided Rs 131.60 crore under the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) Scheme. These funds have been used to set up cyber forensic and training laboratories in 33 States and Union Territories, benefiting over 24,000 law enforcement officials, judicial officers, and public prosecutors.
