Cybercrime Surge Sparks Nationwide Awareness Drive by IDUA; Digital Strategist Anoop Mishra Calls for Urgent Policy Overhaul

New Delhi | June 24, 2025 — As India races ahead to become one of the largest digital economies globally, a parallel crisis is unfolding—one that threatens citizens, institutions, and national security. A steep rise in cybercrime has accompanied the country’s expanding internet footprint, prompting urgent calls for awareness and stronger policies.

The Internet & Digital Users Association (IDUA) Initiative for Action against Cybercrime , under the aegis of the SESR Foundation, has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at bridging the gap between internet access and digital literacy. The goal: to educate Indians on how to protect themselves in an increasingly hostile digital environment.

Over One Million Cybersecurity Incidents in a Year

According to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), India recorded over 1.3 million cybersecurity incidents in 2023. These include phishing attacks, fake payment app links, OTP frauds, ransomware demands, and identity theft.

The economic and psychological impact has been significant, with cases ranging from student loan scams to seniors losing life savings through fraudulent UPI apps.

Notable Digital Arrests in 2024–25

In early 2024, the Noida Police Cyber Cell busted a fake call center targeting elderly pensioners across India using spoofed bank numbers. Over ₹12 crore was siphoned off before six key operatives were arrested.

In Hyderabad, a deepfake pornography racket was unearthed in late 2024, where AI-generated videos were used to extort school and college students. The arrests revealed international funding and software use traced to East European servers.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police’s IFSO unit tracked and arrested a hacker group accused of leaking Aadhaar-linked health records of over 7 lakh Indians. The operation was one of the largest cross-agency digital crackdowns of the year.

These arrests underscore the sophistication of cybercriminals—and the urgent need for digital citizens to stay informed and alert.

IDUA Steps in with Education and Outreach

Responding to this growing threat, IDUA has begun conducting offline and online awareness sessions across schools, colleges, RWAs, and business hubs in cities including Lucknow, Kanpur, Noida, Patna, and Pune.

The sessions cover how to recognize phishing links, avoid suspicious mobile apps, secure social media accounts, and file a cybercrime complaint effectively.

Anoop Mishra on India’s Cyber Safety Blind Spot

Digital policy advisor and strategist Anoop Mishra, a key voice behind IDUA, warns that India’s digital growth is outpacing its digital readiness.

“India doesn’t just need firewalls—it needs digital fire drills. We must move from digital access to digital awareness,” said Mishra. “The average user knows how to swipe, but not how to safeguard. This is where we’re losing the cyber war. And this is one of the major issues why India’s Digital Boom Faces a Cybercrime Crisis today.”

Through his blog and social media handles, he regularly publishes policy insights, cyber safety guides, and reports on emerging digital risks in India and globally.

Policy Lag and Education Gaps

Mishra has advocated for a cyber hygiene module in school curricula, along with district-level digital complaint redressal cells. He argues that India's Information Technology Act must be urgently updated to address new-age threats like deepfake blackmail, crypto-based fraud, and influencer-led scams.

“Our policies must reflect the digital crimes of today—not those of a decade ago. We need law enforcement to be equipped with cyber-forensic tools and digital counselors, not just FIR registers,” he added.

From Access to Empowerment

While India’s digital economy is projected to cross $1 trillion by 2030, millions of new internet users remain digitally illiterate. In semi-urban areas, smartphones are widespread, but safety practices are nearly absent.

IDUA aims to close this gap by creating a cyber-smart India—where every digital user knows how to protect their identity, finances, and data. Plans include launching mobile-friendly safety toolkits in Hindi and regional languages, a 24/7 WhatsApp grievance line, and community-led digital safety clubs in schools.

The Road Ahead

Cybercrime today is not just a tech problem—it’s a social emergency. As scammers evolve faster than security measures, India’s defense must begin with awareness.

IDUA’s campaign, powered by grassroots outreach and backed by experts like Anoop Mishra, is leading the charge. From classrooms to colonies, from boardrooms to mobile screens, it is pushing a national conversation that can no longer be delayed.

In a country where every 10 seconds sees a new internet user, making cyber awareness a household norm is no longer optional. It is essential.