SRINAGAR: Cyber crime incidents in Jammu and Kashmir have shown a steady rise over the past three years, with data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) indicating an increase from 120 cases in 2020 to 154 in 2021 and further to 173 in 2022. In Ladakh, however, the numbers have remained relatively low, with one case reported in 2020, five in 2021, and three in 2022.

The overall increase in cyber crime cases in Jammu and Kashmir reflects a broader national trend, where cyber crimes have surged across the country. India witnessed a rise in cyber crime cases from 50,035 in 2020 to 52,974 in 2021, reaching 65,893 in 2022. The growing penetration of digital transactions, internet usage, and mobile connectivity has expanded the scope for cyber fraud, identity theft, financial scams, and other online criminal activities.

The Central Government said it has implemented several measures to combat cyber crime, including the establishment of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, and a toll-free helpline (1930) for reporting financial frauds. Additionally, financial assistance has been provided to states and union territories under the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) scheme to build cyber forensic-cum-training laboratories and enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies.

To tackle financial frauds specifically, the government has developed a Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System, which has helped recover over Rs 3,919 crore from fraudsters in more than 11.20 lakh complaints. Moreover, efforts have been made to block mule accounts used for illicit transactions, with more than 9.23 lakh such accounts identified so far.

Despite these initiatives, challenges persist in Jammu and Kashmir due to the unique security situation, limited awareness among citizens, and the evolving nature of cyber threats. The government has emphasized cyber hygiene training, with over 1,01,112 police officers trained through the CyTrain portal. Additionally, awareness campaigns via social media and traditional platforms aim to educate the public on safe online practices.

As cyber crimes continue to evolve, experts stress the need for further strengthening law enforcement capabilities, enhancing technical expertise, and increasing public awareness in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to mitigate risks and ensure a secure digital environment.