Union Home Minister Amit Shah has unveiled a comprehensive plan to strengthen India’s cybersecurity framework by deploying a dedicated force of 5,000 “cyber commandos” within the next five years. Speaking at the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) Foundation Day event, Shah emphasized the growing importance of cybersecurity as a cornerstone of national security.
Shah stated that the cyber commandos will be specially trained to tackle advanced and evolving cyber threats. “Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue; it is a critical element of national security that impacts every citizen,” he remarked. The new cyber wing is expected to respond swiftly to cyberattacks, ensuring India’s readiness to face threats in an increasingly digital landscape.
Launch of Cybersecurity Initiatives
At the event, Amit Shah also announced the launch of a centralized “suspect registry.” This registry will act as a comprehensive database of suspicious bank accounts and entities, enabling financial institutions and law enforcement agencies to bolster their risk management practices. The registry aims to curb fraudulent financial activities and ensure a safer digital economy.
Additionally, two critical platforms were inaugurated:
- Samanvaya – A collaborative tool for cybercrime investigation, designed to foster cooperation between various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and cybersecurity experts.
- Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) – A dedicated platform to counter cyber fraud, focusing on detection, prevention, and the swift resolution of fraud cases.
These initiatives are part of a broader effort to centralize and streamline India’s response to cybercrime. Shah expressed confidence that these measures would create a robust ecosystem to tackle emerging threats.
India’s Growing Cybersecurity Challenges
As cybercrime continues to rise globally, India faces significant challenges, including phishing scams, ransomware attacks, and breaches of critical infrastructure. Shah noted that a coordinated and proactive approach is essential to address these risks effectively.
The Union Minister highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration in cybersecurity. “To combat cybercrime, we must pool our resources, expertise, and technology. This is not just a government responsibility; every stakeholder has a role to play,” he said.
Future Roadmap
The cyber commandos will be equipped with cutting-edge tools and expertise to safeguard India’s digital infrastructure. Their training will include tackling threats such as malware, phishing, ransomware, and espionage. The government will also work on integrating advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, into its cybersecurity initiatives.
In closing, Shah reiterated the government’s commitment to building a secure digital environment. “We are laying the foundation for a cyber-resilient India. These initiatives will not only protect our citizens but also pave the way for a stronger digital economy,” he stated.
With these bold measures, India aims to position itself as a leader in cybersecurity, ready to counter the ever-evolving challenges of the digital age.
