Government Freezes SIM Cards and IMEIs and Strengthens Cybercrime Prevention

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Government Freezes SIM Cards and IMEIs and Strengthens Cybercrime Prevention
Government Freezes SIM Cards and IMEIs and Strengthens Cybercrime Prevention

The government has announced major measures, such as suspending SIM cards and IMEI numbers, and has told the parliament that it has greatly increased its efforts to tackle the growing menace of cyber-crimes in response to fraudulent activities. In answer to a query, the Ministry of Home Affairs noted that this development comes after a number of proactive measures it has taken to counter the growing threats posed by cyberattacks and digital fraud.

As part of an ongoing crackdown on cyber fraudsters, police have blacklisted over 6.69 lakh SIM cards and 1.32 lakh IMEI numbers, the Minister of State for Home Affairs said in a reply in response to a question in the Lok Sabha on December 10, 2024. Law enforcement organizations’ reports highlighting the use of these devices in cybercrimes, namely money fraud and digital arrest scams, prompted these measures.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which was founded to coordinate and address cyber-related offenses nationwide, serves as the foundation for the central government’s efforts to combat cybercrime. Collaboration with international law enforcement organizations and the exchange of data pertaining to cybercrime are two aspects of this multifaceted strategy that are made possible by platforms like the G7 24/7 network.

In order to prevent fraudulent transactions and combat cybercrime, the I4C also established the Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC), a specialized hub where banks, telecom service providers, and law enforcement organizations work together in real-time. This center has played a key role in stopping the flow of illegal money, banning 8.6 lakh mule accounts, and accelerating banks’ reaction times to cybercrime.

Training law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and improving cyber security infrastructure have been the main goals of other important projects. For example, the National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) is in charge of creating situational awareness of cyber security threats, while the Cyber Swachhta Kendra attempts to identify and eliminate malware. Additionally, frequent cyber security simulations are held to evaluate and improve the readiness of government and critical sector organizations.

To safeguard residents against online fraud, the government has also started a number of public awareness initiatives. These campaigns educate the public about common scams and how to prevent them by using a variety of venues, such as print media, social media influencers, and public announcements. To assist citizens in reporting cybercrimes, especially those that target women and children, the “National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal” has also been established.

The government has made significant strides in law enforcement training as part of capacity building. More than 32,000 officers had received training in cyber threat mitigation and IT infrastructure security as of October 2024. The “CyTrain” online platform, which offers training on crucial facets of cybercrime investigation, forensics, and prosecution, was also launched by the I4C. On the platform, more than 98,000 police personnel from all throughout the nation have signed up for training.

Under the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) Scheme, the Ministry of Home Affairs has allocated Rs 131.60 crore to enhance the nation’s capacity to prevent cybercrime. More than 24,000 law enforcement officers, judges, and public prosecutors have benefited from the establishment of cyber forensic and training labs in 33 States and Union Territories thanks to these grants.

Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat

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