Over the years, cyber-criminals have been increasingly targeting smartphones. The number of cyber-attacks against mobile phones have increased by over 50% in the last few years. User dependency on smartphones will increase as more applications are developed in the future.
Smartphones have become a repository of highly sensitive information about users, encompassing financial data, personal details, confidential images, social media content, identity information, and even location history. This wealth of data creates an enticing opportunity for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities. It's noteworthy that malware can infiltrate your phone through seemingly harmless apps, and while both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store are potential sources, Android devices appear to be more susceptible to such risks.
In my view, it's disconcerting that hackers have the capability to eavesdrop on phone calls, potentially gaining access to personal information or confidential business discussions. Additionally, the routine targeting of phones by cybercriminals for the extraction of private data, such as images or videos, is a disconcerting trend.
The subsequent extortion attempts, where users are compelled to pay hackers to safeguard their privacy, add another layer of vulnerability. Moreover, the risk of financial data theft, including access to bank account details, is a very prevalent concern. The fact that smartphones are equipped with powerful processors only amplifies the potential impact of such security breaches.
India saw a rise of 24 per cent in cybercrimes registered in 2022 compared to 2021, as per the latest data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
According to the report ‘Crime in India’, 65,893 cases were registered under cybercrime, showed an increase of 24.4 per cent compared to 52,974 cases in 2021. “Crime rate (per lakh population) under this category has increased from 3.9 in 2021 to 4.8 in 2022. During 2022, 64.8 per cent of cybercrime cases registered were for the motive of fraud – 42,710 out of 65,893 cases – followed by extortion with 5.5 per cent – 3,648 cases – and sexual exploitation with 5.2 per cent – 3,434 cases,” it said.
According to the NCRB data, a total of 1,93,385 cases were registered under economic offences, showing an increase of 11.1 per cent compared to 1,74,013 cases in 2021. “Out of three specified categories of economic offences; criminal breach of trust, FCF (forgery, cheating & fraud) and counterfeiting, FCF accounted for maximum of such cases, with 1,70,901 cases, followed by criminal breach of trust with 21,814 cases and counterfeiting with 670 cases in the last year,” the report said.
The exploitation of citizens' trusting nature by individuals with malicious intent, who pose as law enforcement officials or authoritative figures, is a troubling phenomenon. Many a time, this has happened in our State itself. This deceptive tactic has given rise to numerous cases of identity theft, causing significant concern within communities. The vulnerability of individuals who may be unsuspecting of such fraudulent schemes emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and caution. These deceptive practices not only erode personal privacy but can also have far-reaching consequences, underscoring the importance of fostering a vigilant and informed society to counteract such threats.
Cybercrimes are happening more often, especially on smartphones, where people's trust is being exploited. This is a big problem in today's tech-driven world. The increase in cyber-attacks, as shown by the National Crime Records Bureau, highlights the urgent need for better cybersecurity and for people to be more aware of potential risks. As we use technology, it's really important for individuals, authorities, and society as a whole to work together. We need to use smart strategies to protect our personal information, stop deceptive practices, and strengthen our defences against cybercrime.
(The author is DIG (Admn & STF), Assam. All views and opinions expressed in the article are the author’s own)