With over 86% of Indian households now connected to the internet, India has made impressive strides under the Digital India initiative. However, the same connectivity that drives innovation and access has also opened the floodgates for increasing cybersecurity incidents in India.
According to a new press release by the Indian government, cybersecurity incidents in India surged from 10.29 lakh in 2022 to 22.68 lakh in 2024, reflecting not only the growing threat landscape but also improved detection and reporting mechanisms.
By February 2025, cyber frauds totaling ₹36.45 lakh were reported on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
Recognizing Patterns in Cyber Frauds
Cyber fraud in India is becoming more advanced, leveraging new technologies and exploiting user behavior. From spoofing attacks, where fraudsters impersonate trusted entities, to the use of AI-generated deepfakes and phishing scams, criminals continue to innovate their tactics.
The exploitation of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) through compromised mobile numbers prompted the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to roll out the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI), which flags high-risk numbers based on suspicious activity.
Another growing concern is the rise of illegal online betting apps, which have reportedly generated over ₹400 crore through deceptive gaming schemes. In response, the government enacted the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, banning all forms of online money gaming while promoting e-sports and social gaming.
Institutional Frameworks and Legislative Tools
India’s fight against cybercrime is grounded in a legal framework. The Information Technology Act, 2000, remains the cornerstone of cyber law in India, addressing a broad range of offences including identity theft and digital impersonation. Supplementing this is the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which mandates lawful processing of personal data with user consent, enhancing data privacy, and reducing misuse.
The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, further hold online platforms accountable for the content they host, especially in an era where AI misuse and disinformation are rising concerns.
Government-Led Cybersecurity Initiatives
Recognizing the severity of the threat, the Union Budget 2025–26 earmarked ₹782 crore for cybersecurity projects. This financial push is aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure resilience and response mechanisms. The government has blocked over 9.42 lakh SIM cards and 2,63,348 IMEIs associated with fraudulent activity.
Law enforcement has also been strengthened with over 1,05,796 police officers trained on the CyTrain portal, and more than 82,704 certifications issued in cybercrime investigation and digital forensics.
The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) has taken proactive steps by blocking 3,962 Skype IDs and 83,668 WhatsApp accounts linked to cyber fraud. Furthermore, its Samanvaya platform has led to the arrest of 12,987 individuals, mapping over 1.5 lakh criminal linkages through its analytical tools.
National Agencies in Action
At the national level, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) plays a pivotal role in threat monitoring and response. By March 2025, CERT-In had conducted 109 cybersecurity drills, involving 1,438 organizations to assess readiness. Meanwhile, the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) protects vital sectors like banking, telecom, and transport from potential cyberattacks.
To boost preparedness, the Cyber Crisis Management Plan (CCMP) has been implemented across government bodies, with 205 workshops conducted to build coordinated responses to cyber incidents.
Citizen-Centric Measures and Public Awareness
Public engagement is vital in combating cyber fraud in India. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) enables users to report cybercrimes, while the dedicated helpline 1930 provides real-time support, especially for financial fraud.
Through initiatives like Cyber Crime Prevention Against Women and Children (CCPWC), backed by ₹132.93 crore, specialized labs have been set up in 33 States and UTs, training over 24,600 personnel to tackle cyber threats targeted at vulnerable groups.
The Sahyog Portal ensures quick takedown of harmful digital content, and Samanvaya facilitates interstate collaboration among agencies to dismantle cybercrime networks.
National Collaboration and Global Outlook
India’s commitment to cybersecurity was on full display at India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, inaugurated on October 8, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With over 1.5 lakh visitors and 7,000 international delegates, the event spotlighted India’s growing role in global digital innovation and cybersecurity strategy.
India is also advancing through the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), fostering academic-industry-government collaboration in emerging technologies, including AI and cybersecurity.
To promote cyber awareness, the government has initiated outreach through radio, newspapers, metro announcements, and social media campaigns. Tools like the National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC), and publications such as the Cyber Safety Handbook for Adolescents reflect efforts to educate the public and prevent cyber fraud at the grassroots.
