The Pratibimb Module has led to the arrest of 6,046 accused, identification of 17,185 linkages, and 36,296 cyber investigation assistance requests, as informed in the Lok Sabha.
About Cybercrime
Cybercrime refers to criminal activities involving computers, networks, or digital systems to commit fraud, theft, or harm individuals, organizations, or governments. These crimes exploit technology vulnerabilities for financial gain, data theft, or malicious intent.
Types of Cybercrime
- Hacking – Unauthorized access to computer systems or networks.
- Phishing – Fraudulent emails or messages to steal sensitive information.
- Identity Theft – Stealing personal information for fraud.
- Cyberstalking – Online harassment or threats.
- Ransomware – Malware that locks data, demanding ransom for access.
- Online Fraud – Scams involving fake websites, investments, or e-commerce fraud.
- Cyberterrorism – Attacks targeting national security or infrastructure.
- Child Exploitation – Sharing or distributing illegal content online.
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About ‘Pratibimb’ Module
- It is a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based software designed for cybercrime tracking.
- Helps enforcement agencies, including state police forces, to map cybercriminals in real-time and disrupt their networks.
- Developed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Geographic Information System (GIS)
- Definition: GIS is a technology that captures, stores, analyzes, and visualizes geographic data to map and monitor spatial information.
- Applications: Used in urban planning, disaster management, crime mapping, agriculture, and navigation to enhance decision-making through real-time geographic insights.
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- Key Features
- Projects mobile numbers used in cybercrimes across India onto a GIS map.
- Provides map-based visualization to Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and service providers.
- Helps in identifying and tracking locations of mobile numbers involved in criminal activities.
Other Initiatives to streamline fight against Cybercrime
About ‘Samanvaya’ Platform
- It is a coordination platform launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs for cybercrime data sharing and analytics.
- It enhances cooperation among States/UTs in handling cybercrime complaints.
- Functions
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- Facilitates cybercrime data sharing among various LEAs.
- Tracks interstate cybercrime linkages for better investigation and coordination.
- Strengthens cooperation between different enforcement agencies to combat cyber fraud effectively.
About National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (Investigation)
- Established under I4C in New Delhi to provide early-stage cyber forensic assistance.
- Supports Investigating Officers (IOs) of State/UT Police in cybercrime investigations.
- Has provided forensic services in around 11,835 cybercrime cases so far.
About Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
- Established under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to combat cybercrime in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
- Acts as the nodal agency for tackling cyber crimes across India.
- Located in New Delhi and functions as a bridge between law enforcement, academia, and industry.
- Key Focus Areas:
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- Strengthens collaboration between LEAs and stakeholders to prevent cybercrime.
- Works on cybercrime prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution.
- Engages with academia, industry, and the government to develop solutions for cyber threats.
Objectives of I4C
- Cybercrime Prevention and Coordination: Acts as a central coordination body for all cybercrime-related activities in India.
- Enhances information sharing and intelligence gathering on cyber threats.
- Research & Development: Identifies research problems and needs of LEAs.
- Supports development of new technologies and forensic tools in collaboration with academia and research institutes in India and abroad.
- National Security and Cyber Threat Mitigation: Prevents the misuse of cyberspace for extremist and terrorist activities.
- Suggests amendments in cyber laws to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies.
- International Cooperation and Legal Frameworks: Coordinates Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) with other countries.
- Works with the MHA’s nodal authorities to strengthen international cybercrime cooperation.
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