The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) is a government program that assists the government in addressing issues related to cybercrime in the country. Set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), it provides a platform for coordinated comprehensive action on issues related to cybercrime.
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
About I4C
As launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2020, I4C acts as a national level initiative to combat cyber crimes in a structured and coordinated manner.
It covers a wide range of cyber threats, including fraud, hacking, cyberbullying, and data breaches.
Objectives of I4C
- National Agency for Cyber Crime
- Consolidation of central power to handle the cyber threat landscape of India
- Zeroing In on Vulnerable
- Increasing action on cybercrime that target women and children.
- Improved Complaints Handling Mechanism
- Facilitate ease in cybercrime complaint handling and detect new trends in fraud. Provide an early alert system for crime.
- Public awareness and training
- For proper practices of cyber hygiene and safety.
- Capacity Building
- Cyber forensics and investigation training to the police officers, prosecutors, and judges.
Goals of 14C
- Research problems identification
- The I4C collaborates with research institutes and the academic world in both India and abroad to develop new technologies and forensic tools.
- Prevention of extremist and terrorist use of cyberspace
- I4C strives to thwart the use of cyberspace by extremist and terrorist organizations.
- Cyber law amendment in recommendation
- I4C recommends amending cyber laws to keep abreast of rapidly changing technologies and international cooperation.
- Coordination of Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLAT)
- The I4C coordinates implementation with other countries of MLAT for cybercrime.
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
- One of the citizen centric initiatives under I4C is filing a cyber fraud complaint online.
- The complaints can be easily analyzed and worked upon by law enforcement agencies.
I4C Cybercrime Predictions
Financial Impact of Cyber Fraud
- Projected Loss for 2025
- Indians are expected to lose ₹1.2 lakh crore (~0.7% of GDP) to cyber fraud.
- Current Year Losses
- ₹11,269 crore lost to financial fraud in just the first half of 2024.
Major Contributors to Cyber Fraud
- Mule Accounts
- I4C identifies 4,000 fraudulent bank accounts daily, used for laundering money.
- ATM Hotspots
- 18 hotspots in India where cash fraud occurs.
- Global Scam Connections
- Scammers utilize “scam compounds” in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos, which are typically run through ties to China based organizations.
Cyber Fraud Modes
- Operandi Call Center Scams
- The scam enclaves create “fake investment schemes“, lottery scams, and Ponzi schemes.
- Cryptocurrency Laundering
- ₹5.5 crore in cryptocurrency were siphoned out from India between March May 2024 in a cyber fraud.
- Withdrawals Abroad
- The siphoned money withdrawn from Dubai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Russia ATMs.
Types of Cyber Threat
| Cyber Threat | Description |
|---|---|
| Phishing | Malicious emails trick users into giving away sensitive information. |
| Malware | Malicious software used to steal data or take control of a device. |
| Ransomware | Hackers encrypt data and demand ransom (e.g., WannaCry, 2016). |
| Cyberbullying | Harassment or threats via digital platforms. |
| Cyber Spying | Unauthorized access to classified or personal information. |
| Business Email Compromise (BEC) | Hackers pretend to be business leaders to steal money. |
| Dating Scams | Online romantic relationships are a scam to take money or information. |
Cyber Fraud Effects
- For the Individual
- Identity theft, unauthorized transactions, blackmail, and personal distress.
- For Businesses
- Losses in finances, reputation damage, legal liabilities, and fall in stock price.
- To State
- Compromise of confidential defense information. Threats against economic stability by a foreign government and espionage related matters.
India’s Cyber Crime Situation Cyber and Internet threats
- Total of 658 million internet users, which are ranked as 2nd most numerous online citizens across the world
- Identified as a ‘Phishing Hotspot, since India finds at the ranked position globally next only to the US and the UK ThreatLabz, 2024 Report.
- Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024
- India ranked as a Tier 1 entity with a score of 98.49/100.
- The nation has been called a cybersecurity role model by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Some Significant Cyber Frauds
- Aadhar Data Leak 2018
- Data of nearly 1.1 billion Aadhar card holders including details of PAN and bank account have been leaked online.
- Canara Bank ATM Fraud (2018)
- Cheated of ₹20 lakh from 300 debit cards through skimming devices.
- Pegasus Spyware Attack
- Over 300 Indian phone numbers were targeted by Israeli spyware.
Government Initiatives to Combat Cyber Fraud
- National Cyber Security Policy
- Computer Emergency Response Team India (CERT In)
- Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative
- Cyber Swachhta Kendra Malware cleanup drive
- National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC)
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
- Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System
Solutions & Preventive Measures
- Firewalls & Updated Software
- Prevent illegal access to any network.
- Use 2 Factor Authentication (2FA)
- This adds additional layers of protection.
- Strong passwords
- Unique passwords made up of a combination of numbers, letter and special characters.
- Be watchful with Email & Calls
- Never give anyone your sensitive details through spams or prank calls.
Role by Banks & Business
- Monitor High Value Transactions
- Flag suspicious activity in low balance accounts.
- Upgrade Fraud Detection Systems
- Detect repeated log ins from the same IP, often from abroad.
- Encryption & Secure Communication
- Safeguards personal information and IPs of customers and their products.
For Customers
- Think Before Clicking
- Cross check URLs before providing personal data.
- Report Suspicious Activity
- Leverage the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal for prompt response.
Conclusion
With cyber fraud on the rise alarmingly, India’s I4C initiative has become a key player in fighting cybercrimes. Yet, the three entities of citizens, businesses, and the government need to collaborate in order to fortify security in cyberspace, build more awareness, and avoid monetary loss.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (2020)
- Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer
- Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so
- Cost of hiring a specialised consultant to minimise the loss in case of cyber extortion
- Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (b)
Q. In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? (2017)
- Service providers
- Data centres
- Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Mains
Q. What are the different elements of cyber security ? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (2022)
