Context:
Centre Blocks Over 1,000 Skype IDs Used by Cybercriminals.
More on the news:
- The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) collaborated with Microsoft to combat these sophisticated cross-border scams.
- Cybercriminals were impersonating as law enforcement and government officials like CBI and RBI officers have caused significant financial losses across India.
According to the Home Ministry this was an organized economic online crime and it was being operated by cross-border crime syndicates.
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
- Established in October 2018 under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- Aims to combat cybercrime in India in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
Functions of I4C:
- Central Hub: Acts as a central point for information sharing, investigation coordination, and cybercrime policy development.
- Collaboration: Works with law enforcement agencies (LEAs), government bodies, and private entities.
- Capacity Building: Provides training and awareness programs for LEAs and stakeholders on cybercrime.
- Public Awareness: Promotes safe online practices and raises public awareness about cyber threats.
The criminals’ tactics involved:
- Impersonation: Posing as officials to trick victims into believing they are involved in criminal activity.
- Blackmail: Threatening victims with fabricated legal consequences to extort money.
- Digital Arrest: Forcing victims to stay visible on video calls while simulating official settings to heighten fear.
The I4C has taken proactive measures like:
- Blocking: Blocking fraudulent Skype IDs, SIM cards, and mobile devices used by the criminals.
- Collaboration: Working with government agencies (RBI), and other relevant organizations.
- Prompt reporting of incidents was encouraged through the cybercrime helpline number and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) for timely assistance.
- Public Awareness: Educational initiatives aimed at enhancing understanding and prevention of cybercrimes within the community.
About National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP)
- The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) is an online platform launched by the Government of India to facilitate victims of cybercrimes in reporting incidents.
- It provides a centralized mechanism for individuals and organizations to report cybercrime complaints electronically.
Benefits:
- Convenience: Enables 24/7 reporting from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Accessibility: Simplifies the reporting process, making it easier for victims to seek help.
- Standardization: Ensures a consistent format for reporting cybercrime complaints across India.
- Timeliness: Promotes faster investigation and response to cybercrimes by law enforcement agencies.