Context:
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken a very serious legal step by filing a prosecution complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against eight people connected with a complex cyber scam. These people have been accused of scamming other people through fake IPOs and stock investment mainly through social media like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram. At the same time, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has issued a new advisory warning the public to be aware of digital fraud, seeking greater awareness on cyber fraud over financial transactions.
Relevance:
GS III: Security Challenges
Dimensions of the Article:
- Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)
- Major Initiatives by I4C
- Digital Arrest
Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)
- The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) is a pivotal initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs, inaugurated in January 2020 to tackle cybercrime across India comprehensively and collaboratively.
- It serves as a national nerve center for addressing various cybercrime issues, enhancing coordination among law enforcement agencies, and improving India’s capability to combat cyber threats.
Key Objectives:
- I4C aims to centralize efforts to combat cybercrime, particularly those that affect vulnerable populations like women and children.
- It enhances the ability of citizens to register cybercrime complaints easily and helps in analyzing cybercrime trends for proactive measures.
- The center is also focused on educating the public on cybercrime prevention.
Major Initiatives by I4C
Cybercrime Reporting and Response:
- National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP): Accessible at www.cybercrime.gov.in, this portal facilitates 24/7 reporting of cybercrimes.
- Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting System: This system allows for the immediate reporting of financial cyber frauds to mitigate damages.
- National Toll-free Helpline (‘1930’): Operates round the clock to assist citizens in filing online cyber complaints.
Training and Resources:
- National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (NCFL): A state-of-the-art facility providing essential training and support to state and UT law enforcement officers.
- CyTrain Portal: Available at ” https://cytrain.ncrb.gov.in“, this MOOC platform offers specialized online courses on cybercrime investigation, forensics, and prosecution to police and judicial officers.
Awareness and Outreach:
- CyberDost: This social media handle promotes cyber safety awareness among the general populace, helping them stay informed about preventive measures against cyber threats.
Digital Arrest:
- Digital arrest is an emerging cybercrime tactic utilized by fraudsters to deceive unsuspecting individuals and extort money through digital means.
Modus Operandi:
- Cybercriminals impersonate law enforcement officials, such as police, Enforcement Directorate, or CBI, tricking victims into believing they have committed a serious offense.
- Victims are coerced into believing they are under “digital arrest” and must remain visible on platforms like Skype until demands are met.
- Fraudsters threaten prosecution unless victims pay a significant sum of money.
- Victims may be manipulated into self-arrest or self-quarantine, believing they cannot leave their homes without paying.
Preventive Measures:
- Cyber Hygiene: Change passwords and update the software, and two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access.
- Avoid Phishing: Never click on unknown links or download attachments from unknown sources. Verify authenticity before sharing any personal information in emails and messages.
- Secure Devices: Install trusted antivirus and anti-malware products, and update the operating system and applications with latest security protocols.
- Use VPNs to encrypt Internet connections for increased privacy and security. Avoid free VPNs, and seek good and reliable ones.
- Employ encryption to protect sensitive information communicated over the internet. Protect yourself against sharing passwords or your passwords or other information especially publicly or through public forums.
- Public Awareness: Educate people with preventive measures and awareness raising regarding digital arrest and any cyber threats.
-Source: The Hindu
