Telangana witnessed an 18% increase in cybercrime cases in 2024, and financial losses jumped by a shocking 140%. The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau’s (TGCSB) annual report revealed this information, highlighting the growing threat that cybercriminals in the area represent.
Rise in Cybercrime Cases:
The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) received about 114,174 complaints in 2024, the study states. Compared to the 91,652 cases recorded in 2023, this is a significant increase. The victims’ total financial loss increased sharply from ₹778 crore to ₹1,866.90 crore in the preceding year. At a press conference, TGCSB Director Shikha Goel highlighted the need to address this expanding problem immediately, saying that the rise in instances and monetary losses is a concerning trend that needs to be addressed right away.
The Cyberabad area of Hyderabad has emerged as a hotspot for cybercrime, recording the highest number of cases at 25,112. Other affected regions include Hyderabad with 20,299 cases, Rachakonda with 14,815 cases, Warangal with 3,531 cases, and Sanga Reddy with 3,132 cases. The data indicates that urban and semi-urban areas are particularly vulnerable to these crimes.
Types of Cybercrimes Reported:
Several cybercrimes that have been common in Telangana are described in the article. Digital arrest scams and fake part-time job offers came in second and third, respectively, to investment frauds involving shares and businesses. Debit/credit card scams and fake customer service numbers have also made significant contributions to the growing figures.
With over 56% of victims being private employees, this group has become the most impacted. 10% and 9%, respectively, were self-employed people and traders. About 9% of those impacted were students as well. This wide spectrum of victims highlights the fact that people of all ages and occupations are being targeted by hackers.
Law Enforcement Response:
Law enforcement organizations have increased their efforts to combat cybercrime in response to its growing danger. According to the TGCSB, 1,057 hackers have been captured in Telangana for their involvement in more than 19,653 instances. Surprisingly a large number of arrests were made during an interstate operation that resulted in the capture of people connected to more than 2,000 cybercrime cases across the country.
In order to prevent criminal activities, police have also taken preventive steps, blocking over 1,800 fake websites and close to 15,000 SIM cards. Furthermore, the agency has carried out a number of awareness campaigns—more than 20,677 initiatives—to inform the public about cyberthreats and how to protect themselves from possible scams.
Conclusion:
For both people and government, the increase in cybercrime cases and the enormous financial losses documented in Telangana serve as a wake-up call. Citizens must continue to be alert and aware of potential threats as cybercriminals continue to develop their strategies and take advantage of social weaknesses.
Though more work has to be done to improve cybersecurity safeguards across all industries, the TGCSB’s continuous efforts to combat cybercrime through arrests and public awareness programs are commendable. As technology develops and more people use the internet for business and play, it is critical to know how to securely manage this digital environment.
In conclusion, while Telangana faces significant challenges regarding cybercrime in 2024, a collective effort from law enforcement agencies and the public can help mitigate these risks and foster a safer digital environment for everyone.
