The Growing Threat of Cybercrime
Cybercrime has emerged as one of the most significant challenges of the digital age, exploiting the interconnectedness of online systems to target individuals, businesses, and governments. These crimes encompass a wide range of activities, from phishing scams and ransomware attacks to online banking fraud and identity theft. In Odisha, this menace has escalated alarmingly, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi revealing in the state Assembly that cybercriminals siphoned off over ₹125 crore between 2021 and 2023. This staggering figure underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures and increased public awareness.
Methods of Cybercrime: How Fraudsters Operate
Cybercriminals employ a variety of tactics to exploit unsuspecting victims:
Phishing Scams: Fraudsters send emails or messages pretending to be legitimate entities, tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information like passwords or bank details.
Social Engineering: Criminals manipulate victims emotionally, often posing as friends, family, or authority figures to extract money or information.
Online Banking Fraud: Hackers gain access to personal banking accounts, transferring funds or making unauthorized purchases.
Malware Attacks: Malicious software is used to infiltrate devices, steal data, or lock systems until a ransom is paid.
Investment Scams: Fraudsters lure victims with promises of high returns on investments, only to disappear with the money.
Cybercrime in Odisha: Alarming Figures
Between 2021 and 2023, Odisha recorded 6,368 cybercrime cases, with losses totalling ₹125.63 crore. Despite the arrest of 1,388 cybercriminals, the financial recovery has been minimal—only ₹2.52 crore was retrieved, highlighting the difficulty of reclaiming stolen funds in such crimes.
Year-wise Breakdown:
2021: 2,037 cases registered, ₹40.39 crore lost, 425 arrests made.
2022: 1,983 cases registered, ₹37.29 crore lost, 441 arrests made.
2023: 2,348 cases registered, ₹47.94 crore lost, 522 arrests made.
The losses in 2023 were particularly significant, reflecting the growing sophistication of cybercriminals.
India’s Broader Cybercrime Context
The problem of cybercrime is not unique to Odisha. Across India, cyber fraud has resulted in significant financial losses. According to a report by Statista, India lost ₹1.25 lakh crore to cybercrime in 2022 alone. With the increasing penetration of the internet and digital payment systems, the risks have multiplied, demanding a coordinated response at both state and national levels.
Mitigating the Cyber Threat
The figures from Odisha and the broader Indian context highlight the urgent need to tackle cybercrime. Public awareness campaigns about safe online practices, stronger laws, enhanced digital forensic capabilities, and collaboration with international cybersecurity agencies are crucial steps. For individuals, vigilance is key: verifying sources, using strong passwords, and avoiding sharing sensitive information online can reduce risks.
As digital adoption continues to grow, combating cybercrime must be a priority for both governments and individuals to ensure that the benefits of technology are not overshadowed by its vulnerabilities.
(With inputs from agencies)
