Curbing Cyber Frauds in Digital India

October 8, 2025

India ‘s cyberspace is busier than ever , with billions of transactions and interactions taking place every day . More than 86 percent of households are now connected to the internet , reflecting significant progress under the Digital India initiative . The expanding digital landscape has enabled citizens to access digital services at their fingertips . At the same time , it has also increased the potential for cyber fraud attacks , making cybersecurity a national priority .

Cyber fraud refers to deceptive activities carried out through digital platforms such as unauthorized access , data theft or online scams , often aimed at causing financial loss to victims .

This increase in cybersecurity incidents from 10.29 lakh in 2022 to 22.68 lakh in 2024 reflects the growing scale and complexity of digital threats in India . Furthermore , the financial toll is becoming more pronounced , with cyber frauds reported on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal ( NCRP ) at ₹ 36.45 lakh as of February 28 , 2025. While these numbers point to growing challenges , they also highlight significant progress in information gathering and reporting mechanisms in the country .

Detecting cyber fraud patterns

The evolving landscape of cyber fraud reveals that fraud is not limited to a single method , but takes diverse forms , often adapting to new technologies and user behavior. Mapping these patterns is crucial to enabling preventative measures. This shocking financial impact worldwide reflects the global reach of fraudsters and the involvement of organized crime , often linked to fraud networks in Southeast Asia.

Emerging Cyber Threats

Techniques like spoofing , where criminals impersonate trusted sources , appear in many fraudulent reports . Similarly , cases of deepfakes leveraging AI ( artificial intelligence ) and phishing , where individuals are lured into giving up sensitive information through deceptive emails or messages , are also on the rise — increasing the overall impact of scams ^.
Unified Payments Interface ( UPI ) , India’s most popular digital payment mode, has also been targeted by fraudsters using fake mobile numbers . To address this problem , the Department of Telecommunications ( DoT ) launched the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator ( FRI ) , which classifies suspicious numbers as medium , high, or very high risk.

Illegal digital activities have also come to light in the form of online betting apps , which lure users into depositing money in their online wallets to play such games with the false promise of huge returns , leading to the generation of over Rs 400 crore in criminal proceeds .

Strengthening India ‘s fight against cyber fraud , the Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill , 2025 was passed on August 21 , 2025. The law is designed to encourage e – sports and social online games , while it imposes a complete ban on online money gaming , including their promotion , advertising , and financial transactions .

Cyber Security Framework of India

The Indian government has implemented robust defense mechanisms aimed at protecting its vast online community . Indians are increasingly integrating the internet into their daily lives , relying on it for essential needs such as business transactions , education , financial activities , and digitally accessing government services . More than 105,796 police officers are now registered on the Cytrain portal , with over 82,704 certificates issued , equipping frontline personnel with essential cybercrime investigation skills .

Cyber laws protecting cyber space

Recognizing the importance of a secure digital environment , India ‘s cyber security framework is based on key laws , specifically :

The Information Technology Act , 2000, serves as the foundation of India’s cyber law framework. It prohibits identity theft , impersonation , fraud by impersonation through computer resources, and the dissemination of obscene or harmful content . These provisions are crucial in prosecuting fraudsters who exploit digital platforms for financial gain , and also empower authorities to block malicious websites and fraudulent applications.

The Information Technology ( Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code ) Rules , 2021 ensure accountability of social media intermediaries , digital platforms , and online marketplaces . It addresses emerging misuse of technologies , including AI , and mandates the removal of illegal content from platforms .

Digital Personal Data Protection Act , 2023 : Requires that all personal data be protected legally and with user consent , making India ‘s digital landscape safer and more accountable for all . The Act places strict obligations on data fiduciaries to ensure security measures are in place to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access or misuse . [ 12 ] Over 9.42 lakh SIM cards and 2,63,348 IMEIs ( International Mobile Equipment Identities ) linked to fraudulent activities have been blocked so far .

Accountability for cyber incidents

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team ( CERT – In ) is the national agency responsible for responding to cybersecurity incidents . It monitors cyber threats , detects vulnerabilities , and issues necessary advisories . Upon identifying incidents such as data breaches , phishing campaigns ^, or malware intrusions , CERT – In disseminates alerts and prescribes remedial measures for affected organizations . This proactive mechanism ensures timely containment of risks and enhances resilience across government , industry , and critical service providers . As of March 2025 , CERT – In facilitated 109 cybersecurity mock drills involving 1,438 organizations from various states and territories to assess and optimize cyber readiness.16

Protecting critical infrastructure

The National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre ( NCIIPC ) , designated under Section 70A of the Information Technology Act , 2000 , is the national nodal agency for the protection of critical information infrastructure in India . It works in close coordination with stakeholders in sectors such as banking , telecommunications , power , and transportation , which are critical to national security and public safety . Through continuous monitoring , risk assessment , and issuance of sector – specific guidelines , NCIIPC strengthens defensive capabilities and mitigates threats that could otherwise compromise essential services .

Strengthening law enforcement capacity

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre ( I4C ) , established under the Ministry of Home Affairs , provides a comprehensive framework to enable law enforcement agencies ( LEAs ) to combat cybercrimes in an organized and coordinated manner . It supports capacity building through specialized training programs , research , and development of technological tools . It also facilitates real – time information sharing and coordinated investigations , enabling effective action against cybercriminal networks involved in financial fraud and other organized cybercrimes . So far , I4C has proactively blocked 3,962 Skype IDs and 83,668 WhatsApp accounts linked to cyber fraud .

Cyber Security Initiatives : Government Action

In an effort to strengthen India ‘s cybersecurity , ₹ 782 crore has been allocated for cybersecurity projects in the Union Budget 2025. This significant move highlights the government ‘s increased focus on cyber threats that pose a threat to national security . Through the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System ( CFCFRMS ) , financial institutions have been able to save over ₹ 5,489 crore from over 17.82 lakh complaints .

National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal

To strengthen citizen participation in the fight against cybercrime , the Government has launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal ( www.cybercrime.gov.in ) . This portal enables citizens to report complaints related to various categories of cybercrime , with a special focus on crimes targeting women and children . A dedicated cybercrime helpline number 1930 facilitates prompt reporting by victims of online financial fraud and , where possible , freezing of fraudulent transactions . Together , these initiatives serve as an accessible and responsive grievance redressal mechanism for citizens .

National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber – Physical Systems ( NM – ICPS )

NM – ICPS plays a vital role in combating cyber fraud by promoting advanced research and innovation in cyber security , artificial intelligence , etc. By supporting the development of tools , platforms , and methodologies for threat detection , the Mission strengthens India ‘s ability to identify and prevent cyber frauds targeting individuals , businesses , and critical infrastructure . Collaboration between academic institutions , industry , and government under NM – ICPS also accelerates solutions to emerging and sophisticated cyber threats , including financial fraud , phishing , and identity – based crimes .

Cyber Crime Prevention Against Women and Children ( CCPWC ) Scheme

The CCPWC scheme provides solutions to cyber frauds targeting vulnerable sections , especially women and children. With financial assistance of Rs 132.93 crore , the scheme has established cyber forensic – cum – training laboratories in 33 states and union territories. These laboratories have trained over 24,600 personnel in cybercrime investigation , digital forensics, and preventive measures . Through increased awareness , early detection, and rapid response capabilities , the CCPWC strengthens the ability of law enforcement to prevent online fraud , scams, and exploitation of women and children , thereby ensuring a safe digital environment.

Cyber Crisis Management Plan ( CCMP )

To strengthen preparedness against cyberattacks and cyberterrorism , the government has launched the CCMP for all government entities . This plan serves as a strategic framework to ensure coordinated recovery from any cyber crisis . To date , 205 capacity – building and awareness workshops have been conducted across the country under this framework .

Coordination Forum

The coordination platform strengthens cyber fraud investigations by providing analytics – based interstate linkages of criminals and crimes . Its ” Prabimb “ module maps the locations of criminals and crime infrastructure , providing actionable information to authorities . To date , it has resulted in the arrest of 12,987 accused , 151,984 criminal connections, and 70,584 cyber investigation assistance requests , effectively dismantling organized cyber fraud networks .

Collaboration Portal

The Sahyog Portal provides a centralized platform to address illegal online content . It enables intermediaries to automatically issue takedown notices , ensuring prompt action against harmful content circulating in cyberspace . It brings together all authorized agencies across the country on a single interface , strengthening the government ‘s ability to effectively respond to illegal content in a timely manner .

Cyber Security Practice

The India National Cyber Security Exercise 2025 was held from July 21 to August 1 , reaffirming India ‘s commitment to strengthening its cyber resilience . The exercise was attended by over 600 participants , including cybersecurity professionals , regulators , and policymakers . The highlight of the exercise was STRATEX , a national cyber breach simulation designed to test real – time inter – agency coordination and decision – making .

Cybersecurity to be given special focus at India Mobile Congress 2025

At the 9th India Mobile Congress , cyber security is one of the key focus areas and highlights India ‘s efforts to protect digital networks and emerging technologies from cyber threats . IMC 2025 will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi from October 8 to 11 at Yashobhoomi , New Delhi on the theme ” Innovate to Transform ” .

IMC 2025 will feature six global summits , including the Cyber Security Summit and the India 6G Symposium . These summits showcase India ‘s growing leadership in next – generation digital technologies . Key focus areas include 6G , cybersecurity , satellite communications , AI , IoT , and telecom manufacturing .

The event is expected to attract over 1.5 million visitors , over 7,000 international delegates , over 400 exhibitors , and showcase over 1,600 cutting – edge use cases . With over 100 sessions and over 800 speakers , IMC 2025 will serve as a premier platform for global collaboration and innovation .

As India celebrates its rapid 5G rollout with its 1.2 billion mobile subscribers and 970 million internet users , it strengthens the country ‘s position as a global hub for reliable and transformative digital infrastructure , focusing on a secure , inclusive and scalable digital ecosystem .

The way of the future : Cyber awareness

The Government has adopted a multi – platform outreach strategy to strengthen public awareness about cyber crimes .

The government has launched citizen – centric outreach campaigns through radio , newspapers and metro announcements to alert people about cyber frauds .
National Cyber Coordination Centre ( NCCC ) has been set up by CERT – In to create necessary situational awareness about current and potential cyber security threats .
Involve the public by organizing cyber security and security awareness week through MyGov platform .
A booklet for teenagers and students has been published to guide youngsters on cyber safety and security .
Use of social media to spread cyber awareness and safe practices to prevent cyber crime .

conclusion

India is at the crossroads of digital transformation and cyber threats , where it has become a pillar of progress while also providing opportunities for cyber fraudsters . Realizing the vision of Digital India , the government ‘s multi – layered cyber response team is facilitating fraud prevention and preventing thousands of scam – related illegal acts . Advanced forensics , big data analytics , and indigenous tools have strengthened national cybersecurity . Nevertheless , securing India ‘s cyberspace is a shared responsibility , where the government and citizens must work together in this fight against cyber fraud .

Reference

Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation