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In response to a growing wave of cyber frauds and spoofed calls, India is ramping up its efforts to safeguard citizens. With fraudulent international calls disguised as local numbers posing a significant threat, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has partnered with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to block these deceptive calls and prevent potential scams.
Cyber-criminals have been manipulating the Calling Line Identity (CLI) system to mask their true origins. These spoofed calls often involve threats of disconnection, impersonation of government officials, and accusations of criminal activities, including drug and sex rackets. In response, the DoT has implemented a two-phased system to address the issue.
The first phase, already operational, enables TSPs to block around 4.5 million spoofed international calls daily. The second phase, involving a centralised system to eliminate spoofed calls across all telecom networks, is expected to launch soon, further strengthening protections for citizens. Once in place, it will provide safeguards to eliminate spoofed calls, creating a more secure environment for telecom users in India.
Despite these safeguards, cyber-criminals continue to evolve their tactics. In response, the DoT urges citizens to actively report suspicious calls, SMS, and WhatsApp messages using the ‘Chakshu’ facility on the Sanchar Saathi platform. This user-friendly platform allows individuals to submit details of fraudulent communications, including screenshots, to help authorities swiftly detect and prevent further incidents.
Citizens’ proactive participation is key in helping authorities stay ahead of cyber-criminals. By reporting incidents early, users not only protect themselves but also contribute to national security efforts in combating the growing menace of cybercrime.
In addition to blocking spoofed calls, the Indian government has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving cyber resilience and protecting citizens:
Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU): The DIU project curbs the misuse of telecom resources for cybercrime and financial fraud.
Sanchar Saathi Portal: This citizen-centric platform enables individuals to report fraud communications, track mobile connections, block lost or stolen devices, and verify the authenticity of mobile handsets.
Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP): This secure online platform facilitates the sharing of information between stakeholders, including banks, police, and TSPs, to prevent cybercrime. It provides real-time data on disconnected mobile connections and fraud-related activities.
AI-based Fraud Detection: DoT has implemented AI tools to identify mobile connections obtained through fake or forged documents. These connections, along with devices used in fraudulent activities, are being removed from the telecom ecosystem.
The government’s actions have yielded significant results. Over 17.7 million mobile connections obtained through fake documents have been disconnected, while 3.34 million connections used by cyber-criminals have been terminated. Additionally, 49,930 mobile handsets involved in fraud have been blocked, 1.2 million stolen or lost mobile phones have been traced, and more than 1.1 million WhatsApp accounts linked to fraudulent connections have been deactivated.
As India continues to strengthen its cyber resilience, citizen safety remains a top priority. The ongoing efforts to enhance digital infrastructure, supported by proactive citizen reporting and government action, are building a robust defense against cyber threats. With the launch of new technologies and systems like Chakshu and Sanchar Saathi, India is set to create a safer digital ecosystem, ensuring the protection of its people from cybercrime and financial fraud.
The future of cyber resilience in India lies in leveraging technological advancements, fostering collaboration between key stakeholders, and empowering citizens to report suspicious activities. By combining these elements, the nation is well-positioned to combat evolving cyber threats and enhance the safety of its telecom network, ensuring the security of millions across the country.
In the face of evolving cyber threats, India’s commitment to securing its telecom network and digital services underscores the importance of collaboration between the government, TSPs, and citizens to foster a secure and resilient future.
