A look at Top 10 places in the country that are epicenters of cybercrimes

Targeted awareness campaigns, law enforcement resources and educational initiatives is crucial to reducing cybercrime rates in these districts and enhancing the overall cybersecurity landscape in India, the analysis said

India has seen rapid growth in digital connectivity since the introduction of the Digital India programme in 2015. As we increasingly become dependent on digital platforms for communication, commerce and information sharing, there is a notable surge in incidents of cybercrimes across India between January 2020 and June 2023.

The Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF), an IIT-Kanpur incubated foundation, conducted a deep analysis of the trends across cybercrime hotspots and emerging centres. The analysis revealed common factors that affect the vulnerability of these places leading to an increase in such cases.

Addressing these factors through targeted awareness campaigns, law enforcement resources, and educational initiatives is crucial to reducing cybercrime rates in these districts and enhancing the overall cybersecurity landscape in India, the analysis said.

Here's a look at the top 10 places that lead in cybercrime incidents according to the analysis.

Bharatpur, Rajasthan (18%)

The proximity to urban cities like Delhi and Jaipur along with the limited employment opportunities in the district may be attributed to key factors that drive individuals to cybercrime as a means of income in the district. The lack of awareness and digital illiteracy of the population adds to the vulnerability.

Mathura, Uttar Pradesh (12%)

Mathura being a prominent tourist destination and a hotspot for tourism-associated financial transactions makes for an attractive target for cybercriminals. Limited cybersecurity infrastructure and a lack of awareness among businesses and individuals might worsen the situation.

Nuh, Haryana (11%)

Nuh’s socioeconomic challenges and proximity to the National Capital Region (NCR) account for an increased number of cybercriminals as well as potential victims in the region.

Deoghar, Jharkhand (10%)

Deoghar lacks proper law enforcement and specialised cybercrime units. The population also lacks awareness and digital literacy, which makes the individuals here more susceptible to online scams.

Jamtara, Jharkhand (9.6%)

A culture of cybercrime has been developed in Jamtara due to well-organised criminal networks that are infamous for online fraud and online phishing.

Gurgaon, Haryana (8.1%)

Gurgaon is a major corporate and IT hub making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking valuable data and financial gains. There are disparities in digital literacy and cybersecurity among the diverse population in Gurgaon that affect the cybercrime rates here.

Alwar, Rajasthan (5.1%)

The proximity to Delhi and Rajasthan makes the area a good transit point for cybercriminals. The limited cybersecurity infrastructure and lack of awareness among the smaller towns also add to the vulnerability.

Bokaro, Jharkhand (2.4%)

Bokaro lacks special cybercrime units and law enforcement to control the cybercrimes in the area making it a hotspot for cybercrimes. People may opt for cybercrimes as an alternative income source due to economic challenges in this region.

Karmatand, Jharkhand (2.4%)

Karmatand’s cybercrime rates may be a result of its proximity to other districts with higher cybercrime rates. The population is more susceptible to online fraud due to limited access to digital education and cybersecurity resources.

Giridh, Jharkahnd (2.3%)

Giridh’s remote location and limited law enforcement contribute to the cybercrime rate here. The population here lacks digital literacy and awareness making them vulnerable to the cybercrimes.

Also Read: Online financial frauds account for 77.41% of India’s total cybercrime ecosystem: FCRF report