Has Cyber Crime Increased by Over 60% in the Last Three Years?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Cyber crimes in India have surged by over 60%.
- Karnataka is the leading state in reported cyber crime cases.
- Financially motivated offenses are a primary driver of this increase.
- Measures are being implemented to block SIM cards and IMEIs linked to crimes.
- Over Rs 7,130 crore has been saved through proactive reporting.
New Delhi, Dec 17 (NationPress) Reports indicate that cyber crime incidents in India have seen a dramatic rise in the last three years, climbing over 60 percent from 52,974 cases in 2021 to 86,420 cases in 2023. This information was presented in the Rajya Sabha by the Ministry of Home Affairs, referencing data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
Financially driven crimes are a major factor behind this increase. Cases of online fraud have surged from 14,007 in 2021 to 19,466 in 2023, indicating a rise of nearly 39 percent. Meanwhile, cheating-related cyber crimes exhibited an even steeper increase of over 150 percent, jumping from 6,343 cases in 2021 to 16,943 in 2023, according to Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar.
He noted that computer-related crimes saw a 77.4 percent increase during this time, highlighting the growing digital presence of both citizens and criminals.
The MoS further stated that total cases registered under the IT Act rose from 27,427 in 2021 to 44,237 in 2023, marking an increase of over 61 percent. Similarly, cyber crimes reported under the IPC increased significantly, from 25,384 in 2021 to 41,849 in 2023, up 64.8 percent.
Crimes involving cyber stalking and bullying of women and children have also remained prevalent, with 1,305 cases documented in 2023.
Regionally, Karnataka has emerged as a hotspot for cyber crime, reporting 21,889 cases in 2023, followed by Telangana with 18,236 cases, and Uttar Pradesh with 10,794.
In total, 202,940 cyber crime cases have been recorded, with 52,974 in 2021, 65,893 in 2022, and 86,420 in 2023.
Notably, Kerala experienced a staggering increase, with cases soaring more than fivefold from 626 in 2021 to 3,295 in 2023.
Since 2021, over Rs 7,130 crore has been saved through prompt reporting via the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System, which has addressed over 23.02 lakh complaints.
Additionally, more than 11.14 lakh SIM cards and 2.96 lakh IMEIs associated with cyber crimes have been deactivated as well.