NEW DELHI: In a stark revelation, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) reported a staggering loss of over Rs 10,300 crore to cybercriminals since April 1, 2021. However, a silver lining emerged as authorities successfully blocked approximately Rs 1,127 crore, showcasing the country's growing battle against cyber threats. The figures were disclosed by I4C CEO Rajesh Kumar during a recent interaction with reporters.
The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) witnessed a significant surge in reported cases, with over 4.52 lakh cases in 2021, marking a 113.7% increase. The numbers soared even higher in 2022, reaching 9.66 lakh cases, and further rose to 15.56 lakh cases in 2023. Despite this surge, Kumar highlighted a notable deceleration in the growth rate to 60.9% compared to the previous year.
The major challenge lies in the increasing involvement of international cyber gangs, with around 50% of cyber attacks orchestrated by groups operating from Cambodia, Myanmar, China, and other nations. Kumar emphasized the need for a streamlined process for victims to reclaim their losses, revealing that new Standard Operating Procedures are in the works to facilitate this.
Noteworthy cybercrime trends were outlined, with regions near Delhi employing tactics like Sextortion, online booking scams, and crimes related to platforms like OLX. On the other hand, gangs operating from Jharkhand utilized methods such as KYC expiry and Android banking malware to deceive individuals and siphon off money.
To combat the rising threats, the Indian agency successfully thwarted a major cyber attack targeting the G-20 website, demonstrating the country's cybersecurity capabilities. Additionally, efforts led to the rescue of citizens from Myanmar, where they were lured with false employment opportunities and forced into committing cyber fraud globally.
A ray of hope emerged with the introduction of 'Pratibimb,' a software accessible to state police forces, enabling them to pinpoint cybercriminals in their areas. This initiative, coupled with swift actions, resulted in a significant reduction in cybercriminal activities in specific regions.
As India grapples with the evolving landscape of cyber threats, the narrative reveals both challenges and triumphs in the ongoing battle against cybercrime.
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