Description

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Context:

In almost three months since the online ‘suspect registry’ launch, the Centre has declined six lakh fraudulent transactions and saved Rs 1,800 crore.

About Central Suspect Registry

It is an initiative to strengthen fraud risk management by creating a register of identifiers. Based on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), contains data on 1.4 million cybercriminals involved in financial fraud and various cybercrimes.
It was developed by India's Cyber Crime Coordination Center (I4C) and can be accessed by states and UTs as well as central investigative and intelligence agencies.
The registry was developed in collaboration with banks/financial institutions and was used as a central database with consolidated data on cybercrime suspects.

What is the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center (I4C)?

Aspect	Details
Establishment	Set up under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to address cybercrime comprehensively.
Objective	To address cybercrime issues for citizens and enhance coordination between LEAs and stakeholders.
Location	New Delhi
Functions	Acts as a nodal point in the fight against cybercrime.
	Identifies research issues for LEAs and initiates R&D activities for new technologies and forensic tools.
	Collaborates with academia/research institutes in India and abroad.
	Prevents the misuse of cyberspace by extremist and terrorist groups.

How is cyber security an important aspect of national security?

Infrastructure Protection: To protect critical national infrastructure such as power grids, water systems, and transportation networks from digital attacks. e.g. the 2019 Kudankulam nuclear power plant malware attack.
Economic Security: Protects businesses and financial institutions from cyber threats and helps maintain economic stability. g. the 2017 WannaCry Ransomware attack.
National Defense: To protect military communications, weapons systems, and other strategic information. g. the Stuxnet worm attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Source:

Indian Express

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center (I4C) was established to tackle the growing menace of cybercrime in India. Discuss the objectives, structure, and key functions of I4C. How effective has it been in addressing the challenges posed by cybercrime in India? (250 words)