New DelhiIn the last few years, our life has become completely connected to the internet. Online banking, shopping, social media and digital payments have made work easier, but along with this, cyber crimes have also deepened their roots. Now fraudsters steal data not through phone calls or messages, but by directly entering your mobile or computer. Reports show that India has become one of the top countries in cases of cybercrime. People are being cheated of crores of rupees through phishing emails, fake customer care numbers and fake websites. Cyber security agencies are constantly warning that even a little carelessness can put your hard-earned money at risk.
Cybercrime means any crime which is committed through internet, mobile or computer. This includes data theft, making fake copies of identity, hacking accounts or committing online fraud by luring people with false promises. Criminals even hack users’ digital identity, bank details or personal photos and use them for blackmail or fraud. The most common categories of cyber crimes in India are – phishing attacks, online bank fraud, social media hacking, digital payment scams and ransomware attacks. In these, criminals create fake websites and instigate people to enter their information, through which they gain access to passwords and bank details.
Why is cyber threat increasing?
The number of internet users has increased with Digital India, but the awareness of cyber security has not increased that fast. People often click on public Wi-Fi or unsafe links, due to which their data gets hacked. Apart from this, the data protection system in small businesses and startups is also weak, which is easily targeted by hackers. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), cyber crime cases in the country have increased by 300 percent in the last five years. In 2024 alone, more than 65,000 cases were registered, most of which were related to financial fraud. These figures show that the threat is no longer limited to technology experts only, but has become a part of the lives of common people.
How to protect yourself
The biggest weapon to protect against cybercrime is awareness. Always have a strong password, which includes a mix of letters, numbers and symbols. Before sharing OTP or bank details on any website, ensure that it is genuine. Before clicking on a link in an email or message, check the URL carefully. Install antivirus in your mobile and computer and keep updating the system. Use two-factor authentication (2FA) on social media accounts. Also, if you suspect any fraudulent call or email, immediately report to cyber cell or helpline 1930.
What is the government doing
The Government of India has taken several steps to deal with cyber crimes. The Home Ministry has launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in), where any person can lodge a complaint online. Besides, cyber police stations and digital forensic units have been created in the states so that criminals can be caught quickly. Apart from this, the government is running campaigns like ‘Cyber Safe India’ to make people aware on cyber security. Cyber awareness programs are also being started in schools and colleges so that the new generation can understand the importance of digital security from the beginning.
