Fighting cybercrime: A complex challenge

Karnataka’s decision to appoint a Director General of Police (DGP)-level officer dedicated to cybercrime investigations is a welcome and necessary step, given the state’s reputation as a hotspot for such offences.

Bengaluru, in particular, has gained the dubious distinction of recording the highest financial frauds in the country. With this move, Karnataka becomes the first state to create a dedicated vertical for cyber security, reinforcing its commitment to tackling the growing menace of cybercrime.

The state was also a pioneer in the early 2000s when it established the first cybercrime police station in India. More recently, the government announced the Cyber Security Policy, 2024.

The surge in financial frauds and digital threats highlight the need for a well-equipped police force capable of combating crimes that transcend geographical boundaries and traditional law enforcement methods.

However, establishing the DGP-level position is only one part of the solution. A more comprehensive approach is required to ensure that Karnataka police is fully prepared to address the complexities of cybercrime. This includes building a robust, well-trained police force – from constables to senior officers.

One of the key challenges is the lack of adequate training to handle cybercrime cases. While Bengaluru is a hub for tech innovation, many police officers are not sufficiently equipped to deal with the sophisticated nature of cybercrime.

Training often focusses on traditional forms of crime, with little emphasis on cyber forensics, cyber laws, or the latest trends in cybercrime. This gap in skills is reflected in the increasing number of cases that are unresolved, or worse, mishandled due to a lack of expertise. The quicker the police can act, the better the chances of tracing and blocking transactions before the fraudsters disappear into the digital ether.

Unfortunately, despite the best efforts by the top brass, mid-level officers still insist on conventional methods, such as requiring victims to file the First Information Report (FIR) in person at police stations. This delays the process and timely reporting of crimes.

It is crucial that the police embrace and encourage digital complaint filing systems and prioritise real-time investigations. Delays in response lead to financial losses, enable criminal networks to proliferate, and deter victims from coming forward.

It is heartening that Karnataka is leading the charge in the fight against cybercrime, but to stay ahead of the curve, the state must not only react to threats but proactively anticipate and address emerging risks.

A unified, well-trained and technologically empowered police force will be essential for the state to successfully combat the rising tide of cybercrime and safeguard its citizens.