Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)

Source: This post on MHA Warns Against Illegal Payment Gateways and Mule Accounts has been created based on the article “MHA warns against illegal payment gateways running through mule accounts” published in The Hindu on 30th October 2024.

Why in news?

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a significant alert concerning illegal payment gateways established through mule bank accounts through its Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). These accounts are being exploited by transnational cybercriminals for large-scale money laundering operations.

About Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)

1. About: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) is an initiative under the Ministry of Home Affairs in India, launched in January 2020 to address the growing concerns of cybercrime within the country.

2. Objective: The objective of I4C is to create a centralized system for the detection, prevention, and investigation of cybercrimes, which have been on the rise with increased digitization.

Key Functions and Features of I4C

1. Nationwide Cybercrime Reporting Portal: I4C has set up a cybercrime reporting portal which allows citizens to report incidents of cyber fraud, financial scams, harassment, and other online crimes.

This centralized platform helps law enforcement agencies receive complaints and respond swiftly. The portal also categorizes cyber complaints, making it easier to address urgent cases, such as child abuse material or financial fraud.

2. Coordination Across Jurisdictions: Cybercrime often crosses state and international borders, necessitating strong coordination among agencies. I4C acts as a bridge among different law enforcement agencies and state police departments, helping coordinate efforts to investigate and tackle cyber threats that require cross-jurisdictional cooperation.

3. Capacity Building and Skill Development: I4C emphasizes training by organizing workshops, certification programs, and seminars to build the capacity of officers across states.

4. National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (TAU): This unit under I4C is responsible for real-time threat assessment and analysis. By gathering data on evolving cyber threats and attack patterns, the TAU provides intelligence that law enforcement agencies can use to preempt cyberattacks.

5. Collaboration with Private Sector: I4C collaborates with technology companies, financial institutions, and cybersecurity firms recognizing that the private sector plays a critical role in the digital ecosystem. Through these partnerships, I4C gains insights into technological advancements and can respond to emerging threats more effectively.

6. Public Awareness and Outreach: I4C also emphasizes raising awareness about cyber hygiene among citizens. Through social media campaigns, workshops, and public service announcements, I4C educates people about safe online practices, such as strong password usage, recognizing phishing scams, and securing personal devices.

7. Cyber Crime Research and Innovation Centre:  I4C includes a research division focused on innovations in cybersecurity to keep pace with rapid technological changes, . This center explores the latest tools, techniques, and frameworks to protect against cyber threats and constantly seeks to enhance India’s cyber defense capabilities.

Significance of I4C

i) I4C’s establishment marks a substantial step toward creating a robust national cybersecurity framework in India.

ii) I4C provides a structured approach to addressing these issues and also reinforces India’s commitment to cybersecurity, which is crucial for digital trust and economic stability.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology