Cybersecurity has become one of the most critical areas of focus in the modern world, with increasing digitalization posing new threats to national and personal security. Recognizing this, the Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has taken significant steps to address the growing concerns of cybercrime in the country. A key milestone in this effort was the first Foundation Day celebration of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), where Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched several initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s cyber defences.
The Rise of I4C: A Pillar of Cybersecurity
I4C was established in 2015 as part of the ‘Safe Cyber Space’ campaign, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over the years, it has evolved into a robust institution tasked with securing India’s digital space. During the nine-year journey from its inception, I4C has become a central pillar in India’s fight against cybercrime. It not only monitors cyber threats but also coordinates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, and law enforcement bodies, to tackle the ever-evolving cyber landscape.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his speech during the I4C Foundation Day celebrations, emphasized the importance of cyber security, not just in the context of the digital world but also as an essential component of national security. He pointed out that the increasing use of technology, while beneficial in many ways, also brings numerous security threats, making it imperative for institutions like I4C to take the lead in mitigating these risks.
Cybersecurity as National Security
Cybersecurity, as articulated by Shri Amit Shah, extends beyond the boundaries of the digital realm. It has now become intertwined with national security concerns. As technology becomes increasingly embedded in the daily lives of citizens, industries, and governments, ensuring a safe and secure cyberspace is a prerequisite for national development.
Shah highlighted that no single organization or institution can secure cyberspace single-handedly. Instead, a coordinated and collaborative approach involving all stakeholders, including government agencies, the private sector, and civil society, is crucial to address the complex nature of cyber threats. The creation of shared platforms for collaboration, such as I4C, is essential to achieving this objective.
The Role of I4C: Preventing and Combating Cybercrime
During his address, Amit Shah launched four major initiatives under I4C, which are expected to play a significant role in making India’s fight against cybercrime more robust and effective. These initiatives are the Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC), the Samanvay platform (Joint Cyber Crime Investigation Facilitation System), the ‘Cyber Commandos’ program, and the Suspect Registry.
The “Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC)”, a vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, brings together banks, financial institutions, telecom companies, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and law enforcement agencies on a single platform. This collaborative effort will enable real-time action to tackle online financial crimes, making it a crucial tool in combating digital fraud.
The “Samanvay platform”, a web-based module, will act as a central repository for cybercrime data, facilitating data sharing, crime mapping, and analytics. It aims to enhance cooperation and coordination among law enforcement agencies across India. By leveraging data-driven approaches, Samanvay will play a pivotal role in tracking and preventing cybercrimes.
The “Cyber Commandos’ program” is another groundbreaking initiative designed to train and deploy specially trained cyber commandos in States, Union Territories (UTs), and Central Police Organizations (CPOs). These commandos will be tasked with countering cyber threats, and their expertise will help secure India’s digital landscape. Over the next five years, approximately 5,000 cyber commandos will be trained, strengthening India’s capacity to combat cybercrime.
The “Suspect Registry”, another key initiative launched by Amit Shah, will create a national-level database of cybercrime suspects. By connecting all states and creating a common platform, the Suspect Registry will help in the prevention and investigation of cybercrimes. This initiative will significantly enhance the ability to track cybercriminals who operate across state boundaries.
Public Awareness: A Key to Cybersecurity
One of the significant challenges in addressing cybercrime is the lack of public awareness. Many cybercrimes occur because individuals are unaware of the threats they face and the precautions they need to take. Amit Shah stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about cyber threats and the steps they can take to protect themselves.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) is launching a nationwide awareness campaign to prevent cybercrime, utilizing a variety of media platforms such as TV, radio, cinemas, and social media. With over 72 TV channels and 190 FM radio stations involved, the campaign aims to educate citizens on recognizing and avoiding cyber threats. A key focus is on promoting the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, to enhance its usage in reporting and preventing fraud. By increasing awareness, I4C hopes to reduce cybercrime incidents across the country. The involvement of state governments will be essential in reaching both urban and rural populations, ensuring that the message spreads effectively to all corners of India. The campaign seeks to empower citizens with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves online, making the 1930 helpline a critical resource in combating cyber fraud.
The Growing Challenge of Cybercrime in India
The exponential growth of internet users and digital transactions in India has made cybersecurity a top priority. From 2014 to 2024, the number of internet users in India grew from 25 crore to 95 crore, and data consumption skyrocketed from 0.26 GB per person to 20.27 GB. This surge in digital usage has created opportunities for cybercriminals, who exploit vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure for malicious purposes.
Amit Shah pointed out that with over 46 per cent of the world’s digital transactions occurring in India, the country is particularly vulnerable to cyber threats. The rise in digital transactions, such as through Jan Dhan accounts, Rupay debit cards, and online banking, has increased the risk of digital fraud. Protecting these systems from cybercriminals is now a critical component of national security.
The government’s efforts to strengthen cybersecurity are not limited to technological advancements. Legal frameworks have also been updated to address the unique challenges posed by cybercrime. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) are new criminal laws designed to make India more cyber-secure. These laws emphasize the use of scientific methods in investigations and aim to improve the quality of cybercrime probes.
A National Effort: Strengthening Coordination and Response
One of the central themes of Amit Shah’s address was the need for a coordinated national effort to combat cybercrime. He mentioned the establishment of seven Joint Cyber Coordination Teams in regions like Mewat, Jamtara, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Visakhapatnam, and Guwahati. These teams have already shown promising results in tackling region-specific cybercrimes, and they serve as models for future collaboration.
The I4C’s efforts have also extended to social media, where it has launched the ‘Cyber Dost’ campaign to raise awareness about cyber safety. The campaign has successfully reached millions of people, making them more vigilant about online security. However, as Amit Shah pointed out, there is still much more to be done, and continued efforts are necessary to meet India’s cybersecurity goals.
Strengthening National Cybersecurity Infrastructure
The Narendra Modi government has taken significant measures to bolster cybersecurity in India. One of the key initiatives is the establishment of the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), aimed at tackling cybercrime effectively. I4C comprises seven critical platforms, including the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, National Cyber Crime Threat Analytical Unit, and the National Cyber Crime Forensic Laboratory. These platforms focus on preventing, reporting, and analyzing cyber threats. Through these efforts, over 47.85 lakh cybercrime complaints have been registered via the portal, leading to the registration of more than 1.13 lakh FIRs.
Enhancing Urban Safety and Security
The government has placed a strong emphasis on modernizing urban security infrastructure, particularly through the Safe City Scheme. This initiative aims to enhance the safety of women and children in eight major cities, with a total budget allocation of ₹2,840 crore. The project introduces technological upgrades to improve security, including the Dial 112 Emergency Response Service, which provides rapid response to security threats across the nation.
Improving Criminal Justice Systems
To streamline data integration between police and legal institutions, the government has strengthened the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) and the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS). Over 32.57 crore police records have been entered into the CCTNS national database, and 99.9% of police stations are now linked to the system. The ICJS Phase-2 operates on the principle of “One Data-One Entry,” improving efficiency and security. Additionally, the E-jail system, implemented in 1,327 jails, facilitates seamless data exchange and enables paperless transactions.
Tackling Financial Fraud
The Modi government has also ramped up efforts to curb financial fraud through the introduction of the 1930 helpline, which has successfully handled over 12.9 lakh complaints and saved ₹665 crore. The helpline connects more than 335 banks and financial institutions, offering a centralized platform for services such as card blocking and fraud prevention. Moreover, to counter digital threats, 709 apps have been banned based on I4C’s recommendations.
The Road Ahead: Achieving Cybersecurity Goals
Despite the progress made so far, Amit Shah was clear that there is still a long way to go in securing India’s digital space. To achieve the ambitious goals set by the government, a precise strategy is needed, one that involves collaboration at all levels of society. From public awareness campaigns to coordinated efforts among law enforcement agencies, the fight against cybercrime requires a unified approach.
As India embraces rapid digitalization, the importance of cybersecurity as an integral part of national security becomes even more evident. The Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the efforts of institutions like I4C, is taking proactive steps to fortify the nation’s digital infrastructure. Amit Shah’s launch of critical initiatives such as the Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre, Samanvay platform, Cyber Commandos program, and Suspect Registry underscores the need for coordinated action to tackle the growing threat of cybercrime. By focusing on public awareness, collaboration among stakeholders, and the strengthening of legal and technological frameworks, India is laying the foundation for a safer digital future. However, continued vigilance and innovation will be essential to fully realizing the nation’s cybersecurity goals.
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