According to a study by a start-up incubated at IIT Kanpur, Bharatpur in Rajasthan and Mathura in Uttar Pradesh have become the new hotspots for cybercrime in India, replacing Jamtara in Jharkhand and Nuh in Haryana.
New Cyber Crime Hotspots in India
The study also found that the 10 districts in India contribute to 80% of reported cybercrimes; these districts are Bharatpur, Mathura, Nuh, Deoghar, Jamtara, Gurugram, Alwar, Bokaro, Karma Tand, and Giridih.
The study identified common factors contributing to cybercrime in these districts, such as their proximity to major urban centers, limited cyber security infrastructure, economic challenges, and low digital literacy. Addressing these factors through awareness campaigns, law enforcement resources, and education is essential to reduce cybercrime rates.
The study also highlighted emerging cybercrime hotspots that demand attention and proactive measures from authorities and the public. These regions see a rise in digital criminal activity, often catching law enforcement and the public by surprise.
The increase in cybercrime is attributed to several factors, including low technical barriers that allow individuals with limited expertise to engage in illegal activities. Inadequate Know Your Customer (KYC) processes on online platforms, access to fake accounts and rented SIM cards on the black market, affordability of AI-driven cyberattack tools, and the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) by cybercriminals make it challenging for law enforcement to trace and prosecute offenders.
The study also noted that unemployed or underemployed individuals are often recruited and trained by cybercrime syndicates, creating a growing pool of potential criminals.