Government Takes Strong Action against Cybercrime and Fostering Of Cybersecurity

The Indian government steps up the cyber security efforts by enabling it to block SIM cards launch a training platform, and improving law enforcement’s capacity to handle cyber-crime effectively.

Taking decisive steps against cybercrime, the Indian government has included the block of over 6.69 lakh SIM cards and 1,32,000 IMEI numbers as part of the broader strategic framework on cybersecurity. This highlighted initiative was made in a Rajya Sabha response from Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur and focused on enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and judicial officers against cyber threats.

On another note, the Ministry of Home Affairs introduced the 'CyTrain' platform, a MOOC that aims to improve police and judiciary efforts in combating cyber-crime. Developed under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), the platform has currently enrolled 98,698 officers, and over 75,591 certificates issued regarding cyber-crime investigation and forensics.

Besides, government have committed Rs 131.60 crore to the cause under 'Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC)' scheme to further support setting up cyber forensic labs across 33 states and union territories. Over 24,600 personnel are, including judicial officers and public prosecutors, have undergone training on the topics of cyber-related awareness and investigation.

The government has partnered with telecom providers to further enhance cybersecurity by blocking spoofed calls, mostly employed to cyber-crimes like impersonations and fake digital arrests, thereby giving better protection to citizens.