In the digital age, the exponential rise in cybercrimes across India has become an alarming concern. Each year, the number of reported cybercrimes surges at a staggering rate, encompassing a wide array of malicious activities. From petty online frauds to more sinister acts such as lottery scams and sexual harassment, the spectrum of cyber offenses is broad and ever-evolving. Unlike traditional crimes, cybercrimes know no geographical boundaries, and perpetrators remain largely faceless and elusive, posing a unique and formidable challenge to law enforcement and society at large.
Cybercrime in India is intricately linked to the rapid adoption of information and communication technology. The digital revolution, while transformative, has also paved the way for a new breed of criminals who exploit the vulnerabilities of cyberspace. The term "cybercrime" encapsulates a wide range of illicit activities where computers or networks are either tools, targets, or both. These include, but are not limited to, phishing, credit card fraud, bank robbery, illegal downloading, industrial espionage, child pornography, and cyber terrorism. Traditional crimes have also adapted to the digital realm, enabling illicit activities through the use of technology.
The impact of cybercrime in India is starkly reflected in the data. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), cybercrimes in 2023 resulted in a loss of ?66.66 crore, with 4,850 reported cases. Additionally, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) reported digital financial frauds amounting to a staggering ?1.25 lakh crore over the past three years. In 2023 alone, victims of digital financial fraud lost at least ?10,319 crore. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance reported domestic frauds of ?2537.35 crore in FY'23, with 6.94 lakh complaints received in the same year.
The need for increased awareness and preventive measures is critical. The Gangtok District Police, recognizing the gravity of the situation, has initiated bi-weekly press conferences to educate the public about ongoing cyber frauds and preventive measures. Senior Superintendent of Police Tenzing Loden Lepcha highlighted the substantial financial losses incurred by victims in Sikkim, ranging from ?40 lakh to ?4 crore. He emphasized that fraudsters often exploit people's greed and fear, luring them with false promises that lead to significant financial loss.
To combat the rising tide of cybercrime, India enacted the Information Technology Act, 2000, aimed at creating a conducive environment for the commercial use of IT and specifying punishable cyber offenses. The Indian Penal Code, 1860, has also been amended to address cybercrimes. However, the dynamic and borderless nature of cybercrime necessitates global cooperation. Information sharing and joint efforts in cyber security research and development are paramount, as most cyber attacks originate beyond national borders.