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India's Home Minister Amit Shah has unveiled a comprehensive plan to combat cybercrime, encompassing the creation of a skilled force of 5,000 'cyber commandos,' a web-based data registry for cybercrime information, and a national registry of cybercrime suspects. Recognizing the borderless nature of cybercrime and its threat to national security, Shah emphasized the need for a unified approach to address this evolving challenge.
The centerpiece of the plan is the establishment of a Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC), bringing together representatives from major banks, financial institutions, payment aggregators, telecom providers, IT intermediaries, and law enforcement agencies from various states and Union Territories. This collaborative platform aims to facilitate immediate action and seamless cooperation in tackling online financial crimes, showcasing a model of 'cooperative federalism' in law enforcement.
In addition to the CFMC, seven joint cyber coordination teams have been deployed in strategic locations across India, namely Mewat, Jamtara, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Visakhapatnam, and Guwahati. These teams have already yielded positive results, demonstrating the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in combating cybercrime. Further bolstering the fight against cybercrime, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) has launched a comprehensive awareness campaign on various social media platforms under the 'CyberDost' initiative, educating the public about cyber threats and prevention measures.
To enhance data sharing, analysis, and coordination among law enforcement agencies, the government has launched the 'Samanvay Platform,' a web-based module designed to act as a one-stop portal for cybercrime data. This platform will serve as a central repository of cybercrime information, facilitating data sharing, crime mapping, data analytics, and collaborative efforts among agencies.
The 'Cyber Commandos' program will establish a specialized wing of trained personnel within state and Union Territory agencies, as well as central police organizations like the CBI. These highly skilled individuals will play a crucial role in securing the digital space and combating cyber threats. Complementing these efforts is the creation of a national registry of cybercrime suspects, based on data from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), in collaboration with banks and financial intermediaries. This registry aims to strengthen the fraud risk management capabilities of India's financial ecosystem.
Recognizing the rapid growth of internet users and digital transactions in India, Shah highlighted the increasing vulnerabilities in the digital landscape. The country currently accounts for 46% of global digital transactions, with the number of internet users surging from 25 crore in 2014 to 95 crore in 2024. Data consumption has also increased dramatically, driven by faster download speeds and reduced costs. This digital transformation, while beneficial, has also amplified the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
The I4C, India's dedicated cybercrime coordinating body, has taken proactive steps to counter cybercrime. The agency has issued over 600 advisories, blocked websites, social media pages, mobile apps, and accounts used by cybercriminals. India's comprehensive approach to cybercrime, encompassing a multi-pronged strategy of training, data sharing, collaboration, and public awareness, demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding the digital landscape and protecting its citizens from cyber threats.
Source: 5,000 'Cyber Commandos', Online Registry: Centre's Steps To Curb Cybercrime