Union Home Minister Amit Shah is leading the charge in the fight against cybercrime with the ambitious goal of training and preparing 5,000 ‘Cyber Commandos’ over the next five years. This initiative comes as a response to the growing concerns surrounding the rise of cyber threats and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. Shah made this announcement during his address at the first foundation day celebration of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), where he also unveiled the ‘Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre’ (CFMC) as a significant step towards bolstering the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
Cybercrime, as Shah emphasized, knows no borders and poses a significant threat to national security. In light of this, he stressed the importance of collaboration among all relevant stakeholders to effectively combat this menace. “Country’s progress is not possible without cybersecurity,” Shah asserted, underscoring the critical role of cybersecurity in today’s digital age.
The ‘Cyber Commandos’ Program
The ‘Cyber Commandos’ program, as outlined by the Centre, will involve the establishment of a specialized unit of trained individuals across States and Union territories to deal with cyber threats. Central Police Organizations (CPOs) will also play a key role in addressing cybersecurity challenges within the country. These trained Cyber Commandos will provide support to both State/UT authorities and central agencies in safeguarding digital spaces and preventing cybercrimes.
This initiative, along with other key measures in the cybersecurity domain, aims to realize the vision of a ‘Cyber Secure Bharat’, ensuring a safe and resilient digital ecosystem for the nation.
Significance of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) was established on October 5, 2018, with the objective of creating a national-level coordination center to address cybercrime issues effectively. Recently, on July 1, 2024, it was designated as an attached office under the Ministry of Home Affairs, further strengthening its role in combating cyber threats.
The I4C plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts to combat cybercrimes and enhance cybersecurity measures across the country. By centralizing resources and expertise, the center aims to streamline responses to cyber incidents and mitigate risks effectively.
Cyber Fraud Statistics and Trends
In a report released by the Centre earlier this year, it was revealed that a total of 1,128,256 cybercrime incidents were reported on the ‘Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting Management System’ (CFCFMS) in 2023. This highlights the scale of cyber threats faced by individuals and organizations in India.
The introduction of CFCFMS was a significant step towards enabling the immediate reporting of financial frauds and preventing funds from being siphoned off by fraudsters. In 2023, Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of complaints on this portal, with 197,547 cases registered. Additionally, Maharashtra reported the highest amount of fraud, amounting to Rs 9.9 billion, underscoring the financial impact of cybercrimes on the economy.
As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, the need for robust cybersecurity measures and trained professionals is more critical than ever. The ‘Cyber Commandos’ program spearheaded by Union Home Minister Amit Shah represents a proactive approach to strengthening India’s cybersecurity defenses and safeguarding against cyber threats in the digital landscape. By investing in training and equipping ‘Cyber Commandos’, the Centre is taking a significant step towards enhancing the country’s cyber resilience and ensuring a secure digital future for all.