Cyber criminals are getting smarter

Cybercrime is a growing threat, with criminals constantly devising new and inventive ways to dupe people out of their money and personal information. The losses can be staggering, sometimes amounting to lakhs of rupees. This has experts calling for a two-pronged approach: stricter laws and widespread cyber literacy.

Cybercrime in India is a growing concern, with over a million cases reported annually. From financial frauds to job scams, cybercriminals are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to dupe people out of lakhs of rupees. This alarming trend has prompted experts to call for stricter laws and widespread cyber literacy initiatives.

A major chunk of cybercrimes happening in India right now are related to banking and finance. The frauds are linked to online financial frauds like UPI frauds, debit/credit card/SIM swaps, and internet banking-related frauds. With the extensive usage of smartphones and fast internet, people with low digital literacy are considered at high risk. The cybercrime police have also seen an uptick in victims falling prey to sextortion and impersonation of government officials.

There is sharp increasing in the Online sextortion cases are mostly underreported due to the social stigma in coming forward, and a lot of victims end up dying by suicide. The modus operandi involve a person getting a video call on a mobile phone from a random number, and when the person attends the call, they find a woman engaging in obscene acts.

The fraudsters record the video and take a screenshot of the video chat. This is followed by the victim receiving a call from a person posing as a police officer and being informed that the woman on the call has lodged a complaint against him. The officer then sends a screenshot of the video chat to the target and extorts money to settle the matter in return.

There is urgency need for Promoting Widespread Cyber Literacy:

· Public Awareness Campaigns:

· Integration into Education System:

· Training for Businesses and Organizations:

· Targeted Support for Vulnerable Groups:

By implementing these two-pronged approaches, India can create a safer cyberspace for its citizens and combat the growing threat of cybercrime. Remember, staying vigilant, being cautious about the information you share online, and reporting suspicious activity to the authorities are crucial steps we can all take to protect ourselves and others from cybercriminals.

It's important to note that tackling cybercrime requires a collective effort from individuals, businesses, the government, and law enforcement agencies. By working together, we can create a more secure and trustworthy online environment for everyone in India.