Context: Recently, Union Home Minister launched 4 new initiatives under Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) on its foundation day celebrations to make the fight against cybercrime more robust, effective and successful.

• While addressing the event, Minister also emphasized that cyber security is no longer limited to the digital world but has also become an important aspect of national security.

• I4C scheme was approved in 2018 and dedicated to the nation in 2020 to tackle cybercrimes and develop effective coordination among the Law Enforcement Agencies.

How Cyber security is an important aspect of National security?

• Infrastructure protection: To safeguard critical national infrastructure like power grids, water systems, and transportation networks from digital attacks.

• e.g., 2019 Malware attack on Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.

• Economic security: To protect businesses and financial institutions from cyber threats, helping maintain economic stability.

• e.g., 2017 WannaCry Ransomware attack.

• National defence: For protecting military communications, weapons systems, and other strategic information.

• e.g., Stuxnet worm attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.

New Initiatives launched

• 1) Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC)

• CFMC has been established at the Indian cybercrime Coordination Centre (14C) in New Delhi with representatives of major banks, Financial Intermediaries, Payment Aggregators, Telecom Service Providers, IT Intermediaries, and States/UTs Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). 

• They will work together for immediate action and seamless cooperation to tackle online financial crimes. 

• CFMC will serve as an example of "Cooperative Federalism" in law enforcement.

• 2) Samanvaya Platform (Joint Cybercrime Investigation Facilitation System): It is a web-based module to act as a One Stop Portal for data repository of cybercrime, data sharing, crime mapping, data analytics, cooperation, and coordination platform for LEAs across the country.

• 3) 'Cyber Commandos' Program

• Under this program, a special wing of trained 'Cyber Commandos' in States/UTs and Central Police Organizations (CPOs) will be established to counter threats of cyber security landscape in the country.

• Trained Cyber Commandos will assist States/UTs and Central Agencies in securing the digital space.

• 4) Cyber Suspect Registry: It is a new initiative to strengthen fraud risk management by creating a registry of identifiers based on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal in collaboration with banks and financial intermediaries.

Key Facts about Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C):

• I4C has been established under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to deal with cybercrime in the country in a coordinated and comprehensive manner. 

• The I4C focuses on tackling issues related to cybercrime for citizens, including improving coordination between various LEAs and stakeholders.

• The centre is located in New Delhi.

Functions

• To act as a nodal point in the fight against cybercrime.

• Identify the research problems and needs of LEAs and take up R&D activities in developing new technologies and forensic tools in collaboration with academia / research institutes within India and abroad.

• To prevent misuse of cyberspace for furthering the cause of extremist and terrorist groups.

• Suggest amendments, if required, in cyber laws to keep pace with fast changing technologies and international cooperation.

• To coordinate all activities related to the implementation of Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLAT)with other countries related to cybercrimes in consultation with the concerned nodal authority in MHA.

Components of I4C

• National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (TAU): For reporting threats pertaining to cybercrimes at regular intervals.

• National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP): To report various cybercrime complaints by citizens at all India level on a common platform on a 24x7 basis from “anywhere, anytime”.

• National Cybercrime Training Centre (NCTC): To impart training to government officials, especially state law enforcement agencies.

• National Cybercrime Research and Innovation Centre: To carry out research for the development of indigenous tools for the prevention of cybercrimes.

• Platform for Joint Cyber Crime Coordination Team: For coordination, sharing of modus operandi of cybercrimes, data/information among states/UTs LEAs.

• Cybercrime Ecosystem Management Unit: For creating mass awareness in cyber hygiene for prevention of cybercrimes.

• National Cybercrime Forensic Laboratory (Investigation) Ecosystem: For helping LEAs in cyber forensics investigation.

• I4C brings together academia, industry, public and government in the prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of cybercrimes.

• I4C has envisaged the Cyber Crime Volunteers Program to bring together citizens with passion to serve the nation on a single platform and contribute in fight against cybercrime in the country.