New Study Reveals Top 10 Indian Districts Responsible for 80% of Cybercrime
Bharatpur and Mathura Lead the Cybercrime Charts
In a surprising shift, Rajasthan’s Bharatpur and Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura have emerged as the new hubs of cybercrime in India, overtaking Jharkhand’s Jamtara and Haryana’s Nuh. These findings come from a recent study conducted by a startup incubated at IIT Kanpur, shedding light on the evolving landscape of cybercrime in the country. Published in a comprehensive white paper titled ‘A Deep Dive into Cybercrime Trends Impacting India,’ the study is the work of the Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF), a non-profit startup associated with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur.
Exploring the Epicenters of Cybercrime
The study identifies the top 10 districts responsible for a staggering 80 percent of reported cybercrimes in India:
- Bharatpur (18 percent)
- Mathura (12 percent)
- Nuh (11 percent)
- Deoghar (10 percent)
- Jamtara (9.6 percent)
- Gurugram (8.1 percent)
- Alwar (5.1 percent)
- Bokaro (2.4 percent)
- Karma Tand (2.4 percent)
- Giridih (2.3 percent)
These districts collectively contribute to the majority of cybercrime incidents, painting a concerning picture of the state of online security in India.
Factors Contributing to Vulnerability
The FCRF’s analysis underscores several factors that render these districts susceptible to cybercrime. Proximity to major urban centers, limited cybersecurity infrastructure, economic challenges, and low digital literacy levels all play a role in fostering an environment ripe for cybercriminal activities. To combat cybercrime effectively in these regions, the FCRF recommends targeted awareness campaigns, increased law enforcement resources, and educational initiatives.
Emerging Hotspots and Complex Challenges
The study also highlights the emergence of new cybercrime hotspots, demanding proactive measures from authorities and the public alike. These areas are witnessing a surge in digital criminal activities, catching law enforcement and citizens off guard.
Various factors contribute to the rise in cybercrime cases, including the accessibility of hacking tools and malware, weak Know Your Customer (KYC) processes on online platforms, and the availability of fake accounts and rented SIM cards in the black market. Automation through AI-driven cyberattack tools, the anonymity provided by virtual private networks (VPNs), and the recruitment and training of unemployed individuals by cybercrime syndicates pose further challenges.
As India grapples with the evolving landscape of cybercrime, it becomes crucial for authorities and the public to collaborate, adapt, and implement effective measures to safeguard digital spaces.
