India Strengthens Fight Against Cyber Frauds

India’s digital landscape has rapidly expanded, with over 86% of households connected to the internet by 2025. This growth fuels convenience but also exposes citizens to increasing cyber frauds. Cybersecurity has become a national priority as incidents surged from 10.29 lakh in 2022 to 22.68 lakh in 2024. The government and stakeholders are intensifying efforts to protect the digital ecosystem.

Rising Cyber Frauds and Their Patterns

Cyber frauds in India have diversified, adapting to new technologies and user habits. Fraudsters use spoofing, phishing, and AI-driven deepfakes to deceive victims. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a widely used digital payment system, faces threats from compromised mobile numbers. Online betting apps have generated over ₹400 crore through fraudulent schemes. The growing financial damage demands robust detection and preventive strategies.

Legislative and Regulatory Framework

India’s cybersecurity rests on strong laws. The Information Technology Act, 2000, addresses offences like identity theft and online impersonation. The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, regulate social media and digital platforms. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, mandates lawful data handling and user consent. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, bans online money gaming to curb illicit digital ventures.

Government Agencies and Cyber Defence

CERT-In leads incident response by monitoring threats and issuing advisories. It conducted 109 cybersecurity drills in 2025 to build resilience. The National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) safeguards vital sectors like banking and power. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) supports law enforcement with training and real-time coordination. These agencies have blocked thousands of fraudulent SIM cards, IMEIs, and online accounts linked to cybercrime.

Cybersecurity Initiatives and Public Participation

The Union Budget 2025 allocated ₹782 crore to cybersecurity projects. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal enables citizens to report cyber offences easily. A dedicated helpline assists victims of financial frauds. The Cyber Crime Prevention Against Women and Children (CCPWC) scheme focuses on protecting vulnerable groups through training and forensic labs. The Cyber Crisis Management Plan (CCMP) prepares government bodies for coordinated cyberattack responses.

Advanced Tools and Platforms

The NM-ICPS mission promotes research in cybersecurity and AI to counter sophisticated threats. The Samanvaya Platform uses analytics to link criminals and crimes across states, aiding arrests and investigations. The Sahyog Portal automates removal of unlawful online content. Bharat National Cybersecurity Exercise 2025 tested national readiness with simulated cyber breach drills involving multiple agencies.

Cybersecurity in Technology and Awareness

India Mobile Congress 2025 brought into light cybersecurity alongside 6G, AI, and IoT technologies. With 1.2 billion mobile subscribers, secure digital ecosystems are vital. Public awareness campaigns use media and social platforms to educate citizens on cyber safety. The National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) enhances situational awareness on cyber threats. Educational materials guide youth on safe digital practices.