There has been an increase of 500 percent in cybercrimes in India: National Security Adviser

New Delhi: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has said that there has been an increase of 500 percent in cybercrimes in India. Doval blamed limited awareness and "lousy cyber hygiene" for this alarming development.

Making the key-note address through video conferencing at the two-day virtual cyber conference, 'Cocon 2020', the national security adviser said that the Centre is striving hard to secure the nation's cyberspace.

"The National Cyber Security Strategy 2020 has focussed on all areas of cybersecurity through its three pillars," he further added.

"There is a greater dependence on digital payment platform due to reduced cash handling and greater data sharing is happening online and social media has also increased," he said,  adding, "However, while we are able to manage our affairs to a certain extent, malicious actors also found in it, a new opportunity. We have witnessed an increase of 500 percent in cybercrimes due to limited awareness and poor cyber hygiene."

Citing an example, Ajit Doval said within a couple of hours of the declaration by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi about PM Cares fund, a few phony Arogya Setu apps popped up to exploit information/data.

The national security adviser cautioned the citizens of India that they ought to be cyber aware, maintain cyber hygiene, secure individual devices, report cybercrime, and have responsible conduct in cyberspace.

Also Read: 4 more Micro Containment Areas declared in Shillong; Check details here