A recent study conducted by an IIT Kanpur-incubated start-up has revealed a significant shift in cybercrime hotspots in India. The notorious districts of Bharatpur in Rajasthan and Mathura in Uttar Pradesh have now taken the lead, surpassing Jamtara in Jharkhand and Nuh in Haryana. This shift has been highlighted in the latest comprehensive white paper titled 'A Deep Dive into Cybercrime Trends Impacting India,' published by the Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF), a non-profit start-up associated with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur.
Top 10 Districts Contribute Significantly to Cybercrimes
The study's findings underline that the top 10 districts in India collectively account for a staggering 80% of cybercrimes reported in the country. These districts are Bharatpur (18%), Mathura (12%), Nuh (11%), Deoghar (10%), Jamtara (9.6%), Gurugram (8.1%), Alwar (5.1%), Bokaro (2.4%), Karma Tand (2.4%), and Giridih (2.3%).
Common Factors Behind Vulnerability
The FCRF analysis of these top 10 cybercrime hubs has identified common factors contributing to their vulnerability. These include their geographical proximity to major urban centers, limited cybersecurity infrastructure, economic challenges, and low digital literacy rates. FCRF co-founder Harshvardhan Singh stressed the importance of addressing these factors through targeted awareness campaigns, law enforcement resources, and educational initiatives to reduce cybercrime rates and enhance India's overall cybersecurity landscape.
Emerging Hotspots Demand Proactive Measures
While established cybercrime hubs continue to pose significant threats, the study also emphasizes the need to pay attention to emerging hotspots. These regions witness a surge in various forms of digital criminal activity, catching both law enforcement agencies and the public off guard.
Factors Behind the Rise in Cybercrime
The FCRF attributes the surge in cybercrime cases to a complex interplay of factors. These include low technical barriers that allow individuals with limited expertise to engage in cybercriminal activities using readily available hacking tools and malware. Inadequate Know Your Customer (KYC) and verification processes on online platforms enable criminals to create fake identities, making it challenging for law enforcement to trace them. Additionally, easy access to fake accounts and rented SIM cards on the black market allows criminals to operate anonymously, further complicating efforts to track and prosecute them.
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