Digital Dangers

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A massive cyber theft affecting over 16 crore Indians has put the spotlight on rising cybercrime in smaller cities. Places like Mewat, Jamtara, and Azamgarh are emerging as unexpected hotspots. Why are these cities particularly vulnerable? What initiatives are being taken to tackle cyber threats? As awareness becomes key, some cities are stepping up with innovative campaigns. Could local efforts make a difference in curbing cybercrime?

Source: unsplash

Two weeks ago, Telangana’s Cyber Police arrested a gang of cyber thieves in the theft and sale of personal data of over 16 crore Indians. The scam is said to be the biggest in the country, as it affects around one-tenth of the population. Incidents of cybercrime have been on the rise in India. As per the latest estimates, almost 1.4 million cybersecurity incidents were reported in the years 2020 and 2021.

Interestingly, an analysis by cyber forensics revealed that hotspots of these rising cyber crimes are the smaller cities like Mewat, Jamtara, Azamgarh, Alwar, Bharatpur, Chittoor, Dhubri, Goalpara, Bhiwani, Jamui, Nawada, Durgapur and Asansol. One of the probable reasons that may have led to cybercrime in these cities may be the combination of a poor socio-economic profile and the penetration of the internet and smartphones in these cities.

Source: Hyderabad Mail

With increase in cybercrime, the Society for Cyberabad Security Council organized more than 225 Cyber Crime awareness sessions.

Additionally, smaller cities are also becoming the arenas of many of these cybercrimes. An analysis by Quickheal suggests that cybercriminals often focus on smaller cities as people and businesses here may not be as aware of cyber security.

Realising that awareness is the key, several cities launched awareness drives for the citizens.

A Ranchi-based NGO, CyberPeace Foundation, announced the launch of an awareness drive called Cyber Security Cluster last month.

Similarly, to fight cyberbullying, the women's division of Ahmedabad police conducted focused group discussions with college students in February 2023. Last month the Odisha government announced that the state saw a dip in cybercrime cases last year due to massive awareness among the citizens, which was achieved through ads, text messages, meetings and social media campaigns on cyber safety.

At a national level, GOI launched the online website called the National Cyber Crime Reporting portal to help the citizens to register complaints related to cybercrime, which can also be reached through the helpline number 1-9-3-0. As per recommendations by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre – the nodal agency established to curb cybercrime – the government has also recently blocked 500 apps to strengthen cybersecurity.

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