India has witnessed a sharp 140% surge in cybercrime cases over the past five years, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Citing figures from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the ministry revealed that the number of registered cybercrime incidents has jumped from 27,248 cases in 2018 to 65,893 cases in 2022.
The figures were disclosed by Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Minister of State for Home Affairs, in response to a question in the Lok Sabha. The data indicates the increasing frequency of crimes conducted via mobile phones, computers, and internet networks, raising serious concerns about digital security in the country.
State Governments Hold Primary Responsibility
The Ministry emphasized that ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are state subjects as per the Indian Constitution, making the prevention and investigation of cybercrimes the responsibility of state governments and union territories. However, the Central Government continues to provide strategic support, including funding and policy direction, to help strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure across the nation.
National Measures to Combat Cybercrime
To counter the escalating threat, the government has launched several initiatives:
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Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to unify cybercrime response at national and state levels.
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National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) for citizens to report digital offenses easily.
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Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), introduced in 2021, has helped intercept financial frauds in real time.
According to the Ministry, Rs 5,489 crore has been saved through prompt action on over 17.82 lakh financial cyber fraud complaints lodged under the CFCFRMS.
In addition, a dedicated 24×7 cybercrime helpline number ‘1930’ has been operationalised to assist victims of digital fraud swiftly.
Technology-Based Crackdowns
In efforts to curb the misuse of digital devices, the government has blocked more than 9.42 lakh SIM cards and over 2.6 lakh mobile IMEI numbers found to be involved in cybercrime activities.
Public Awareness Campaigns Gain Momentum
Recognizing that prevention is as crucial as enforcement, the government has intensified nationwide cybercrime awareness campaigns. These include:
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Multilingual caller tunes warning against digital scams
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Advertisements in metros, newspapers, and cinema halls
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Public messages during large events like IPL and Kumbh Mela 2025
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School outreach programs and awareness drives at railway stations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the issue during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast on October 27, 2024, urging citizens to remain alert about online scams such as “digital arrests.”
The government is also leveraging influencers, Prasar Bharati, and cultural events like Raahgiri to spread cybersecurity awareness to the masses.
A Call for Collective Vigilance
As India continues to digitize at a rapid pace, the government’s multi-pronged strategy aims to create a secure digital ecosystem. From infrastructure enhancements and financial fraud detection to grassroots education campaigns, the efforts reflect an urgent and coordinated response to the evolving threat of cybercrime.