Cyber crime in India is on the rise. With more people online than ever, from digital payments to social media, the opportunities for criminals have expanded. From phishing and online fraud to identity theft and ransomware attacks, cyber crime is no longer limited to tech-savvy criminals—it’s organized, global, and growing fast.
The Numbers Speak
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), India recorded over 65,000 cyber crime cases in 2022—a jump of nearly 24% from the previous year. Most of these cases relate to financial fraud, followed by crimes against women, and hacking. States like Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana report the highest numbers.
But what’s being done about it?

What the Government of India Is Doing
The Indian government has ramped up efforts to tackle cyber crime through multiple initiatives:
1. Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
The Ministry of Home Affairs launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in). It allows anyone to report cyber crimes, especially those against women and children. Citizens can file complaints directly without visiting a police station.
2. Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
The I4C was set up to coordinate cyber crime response across states, build capacity in law enforcement, and promote research. It works with state police departments and provides training, tools, and technical assistance.
3. CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team)
CERT-In under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) monitors cyber threats and issues regular advisories to organizations and individuals. It plays a key role in handling security incidents and preventing large-scale attacks.
4. Data Protection Laws (DPDP Act)
India passed the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 to strengthen user privacy and bring accountability to platforms handling personal data. It puts the onus on companies to protect user data and report breaches.
How Citizens Can Report Cyber Crimes
If you’ve been a victim of cyber crime, don’t wait. Here’s what to do:
- Step 1: Visit https://cybercrime.gov.in
- Step 2: Click on ‘File a Complaint’
- Step 3: Choose the category (e.g., online financial fraud, social media abuse, cyber bullying, etc.)
- Step 4: Fill in the required details. Attach screenshots or documents as evidence.
You’ll receive an acknowledgment number to track your complaint.
For immediate help, call the Cyber Crime Helpline – 1930. It’s available 24×7.
Basic Precautions to Stay Safe Online
While the government is stepping up, prevention still starts with you. Here are some simple ways to stay secure:
- Don’t share OTPs, passwords, or bank details. Ever.
Even if the caller claims to be from your bank or a government agency. - Use strong, unique passwords.
Change them regularly. Use two-factor authentication where possible. - Beware of suspicious links and attachments.
Check URLs before clicking. Don’t download files from unknown sources. - Update your devices and apps.
Security patches are there for a reason. Keep everything up to date. - Check bank transactions frequently.
Report any unusual activity immediately. - Secure your Wi-Fi.
Don’t use default passwords. Limit access to trusted devices. - Avoid oversharing on social media.
Personal info like your birthday, location, or daily routine can be used to target you.
Final Thoughts
Cyber crime is real, and it’s growing fast. But the tools to fight it are getting stronger. The Indian government is investing in infrastructure, laws, and tech to protect citizens—but staying informed and cautious is your best defense. If something feels off online, it probably is. Report it. Don’t ignore it.
Stay alert. Stay secure.