Cybercrime encompasses a wide range of criminal activities utilising digital devices and networks to carry out illegal acts. As our reliance on technology, remote work, and automation increases, and billions of people become more dependent on digital solutions, online scams and fraud have escalated significantly. Users are exposed to a borderless digital world, making them more vulnerable to various forms of trickery.
Today, the Internet plays a vital role in nearly every aspect of life, from the operations of public and private enterprises to entertainment, education, and commerce. No one is immune to the effects of excessive internet use, whether they are employees in the private or public sector, freelance professionals, or farmers. Around the globe, data is becoming a crucial tool for ensuring public safety. With over 700 million internet users, India currently ranks as the second-largest internet user in the world, following China.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a surge in internet usage as many activities transitioned to digital platforms—from education and economic transactions to basic healthcare services. Working from home has become the new norm, increasing our dependence on the internet even further.
Extensive Internet usage introduces various vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information and personal data. They steal this information to disrupt services and cause financial or reputational damage.
Unlike traditional crimes, cybercriminals can commit offences from a distance without being physically present, which makes cybercrime more dangerous for victims.
The rise of the Internet has made the spread of fake news and disharmony easier, prompting the Kolkata Police to establish a dedicated team to monitor these issues. Cybercrime has become a growing concern across all sectors, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted its reach, as seen with the surge of cyber criminals from the impoverished district of Nuh in Haryana in 2024. Every Internet user is a potential victim or offender, which makes cybercrime a major focus for law enforcement.
Kolkata Police has established Anti-Cyber Crime Cells in all ten divisions, and one Cyber Police Station at Lalbazar, to combat escalating cybercrime. This initiative allows residents to report cyber offences at their nearest Cell rather than travelling to the Headquarters. Committed to community safety, Kolkata Police encourages citizen input and promotes community policing.
With the increased use of the Internet, the police also monitor malicious activities to prevent the spread of fake news and maintain harmony in the community.
In 2024, Kolkata Police inducted a new batch of officers and constables. During their basic training at the Kolkata Police Training Academy, special emphasis was placed on the different types of cybercrimes occurring worldwide to prepare them for tackling these crimes when they enter active duty. Experienced police officers shared their firsthand experiences in dealing with various types of crimes, including cybercrime, emphasising the importance of experiential learning.
Regarding institutional security, systems are in place to alert users about potential vulnerabilities, enabling preventive action.
We have also been spreading awareness among the public about protecting themselves from cybercriminals. School students receive lessons on cyber etiquette and safety. We also encourage them to share this knowledge with their parents and grandparents, as children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats. Understanding cyber etiquette is crucial for self-protection against cyber criminals. Simple precautions, such as not sharing OTPs or email passwords with strangers, avoiding video calls from unknown numbers, and discouraging shoulder surfing in public places like ATMs and shops, can significantly reduce the risk of cyber attacks.
To prevent cyber attacks on institutions or systems, specific security measures are implemented to alert users of potential vulnerabilities, enabling them to take appropriate action to prevent such attacks.
Policing is one of the most challenging and demanding professions in the world. In the context of South Asia, particularly in the Indian subcontinent, challenges are continually increasing, exacerbated by population growth. This has led to a rise in Internet usage. With the broad accessibility of social media, community involvement has become essential for collaborative policing to resolve issues, de-escalate tensions, and build trust in policing as a social institution.
We sincerely appreciate the active participation of the community in documenting various forms of cyber offences. This exchange of information is instrumental in our efforts to address the continually evolving landscape of such offences and develop effective strategies for their prevention and eradication.
Manoj Kumar Verma, IPS
Commissioner of Police
Kolkata
