Cyber ​​Jagrukta Divas: An initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs

India is among the fastest growing countries in the world in terms of digitization and technological advancement. Over the past few years, the Government of India has employed several programs and schemes to ensure that infrastructure requirements are properly met to facilitate such growth. However, with rapid technological development and increased use of the internet, the risk of cybercrime is increasing. This has created a huge demand for a proper cybersecurity framework.

The two most important growth parameters that determine the strength of a cybersecurity infrastructure are security and sustainability. The current cybersecurity landscape in India has to evolve along with the increasing rate of cyber crime. Recognizing this need, the Government of India has launched initiatives like Cyber ​​Surakhsit Bharat, Cyber ​​Jagrukta Divas, Cyber ​​Suraksha Kendra, etc. to promote the growth and development of cybersecurity infrastructure in the country.

The government also noted that 60% of cybercrime complaints are related to financial fraud. To address the situation, MHA has launched the Citizen Financial Cyber ​​Fraud Reporting & Management System (CFCFRMS), which will act as an immediate response mechanism to stop and prevent the theft of funds by threat actors. In addition, the government recognizes the fact that human carelessness and lack of awareness among employees are the main causes of cybercrime in the country. To address this issue, the Ministry of Home Affairs has launched the Cyber ​​Jagrukta Divas initiative.

Here’s everything you need to know about this promising initiative.

What is Cyber ​​Jagrukta Divas?

Cyber ​​​​Jagrukta Divas is a government initiative which has been included under the I4C scheme to create cybersecurity awareness among public sector undertakings (PSUs), panchayat raj institutions (PRIs), universities, schools etc. According to the exact guidelines given by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the concerned institutions must carry out an awareness campaign every first Wednesday of the month for at least one hour.

The MHA has asked the offices and branches of all states and union territories to observe Cyber ​​Jagrukta Divas and prepare a comprehensive ‘annual action plan’ which will act as a nodal direction for year-round awareness campaigns. The Cyber ​​​​Jagrukta Divas initiative will be managed by MHA under the I4C scheme.

In its budget proposal, the government has also introduced a provision to recognize 5–10 employees from each organization who have made an outstanding contribution in creating cybersecurity awareness against cybercrimes. Departments are also requested to recognize the title of “Cyber ​​Star of the Month” to officials as a reward and incentive to recognize their efforts.

What is the I4C Scheme?

The Indian Cyber ​​Crime Coordination Center (I4C) has been incorporated and set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs to enhance and strengthen the capabilities of regulatory and law enforcement agencies. The I4C scheme is responsible for acting as a nodal point in the fight against cyber attacks. Departments under this scheme are responsible for conducting research and development to identify law enforcement needs and problems, using forensic tools and techniques developed in collaboration with research or academic institutions.

Topics to be Covered under Cyber ​​Jagrukta Divas

The Home Ministry has proposed a set of topics to be covered in an annual action plan for creating cybersecurity awareness in organizations. These topics are divided into four main units. The annual action plan must contain these four units. However, each of the institutions has the opportunity to choose from the given topics for the development of its action plan.

Unit 1: Cyber ​​Crimes and Security

• Introduction to Cybercrime
• Types of Cyber ​​Crimes: Identity Theft, Phishing, Cyber ​​Stalking, Computer Vandalism, Cyber ​​Obscenity, Ransomware
• Detecting fake messages and fake apps on social networks and the internet (fake posts, fake email messages, fake Whatsapp messages, fake toll free numbers, fake customer numbers, fake jobs)
• Internet Addiction, Internet Ethics, ATM Fraud, Lottery Email/SMS, Online Shopping Threats, Debit/Credit Card Fraud, Mobile Phone Security, Email Security
• Security of USB storage devices, security of mobile applications
• Attacks on mobile connection security ( Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Mobile, and USB)
• Counterfeiting and fraud from mobile devices
• Reporting cybercrime, preventive measures in cyberspace
• Work securely across multiple digital platforms
• Cyber ​​risk associated with various online activities and protection against them
• Internet Cyber ​​Crimes Against Women and Impersonation Scams
• Security in online financial transactions

Unit 2: Concept and Use of Cyber Hygiene in Everyday Life

• Browser Security, UPI Security, Desktop Security, Juice Jacking, OTP Scams, Google Maps Security
• Social Media, IoT Security, Internet Fake App Detection, (Fake Emails, Fake Posts, Wi-Fi Security, Fake Whatsapp Messages, Fake Toll Free Numbers, Fake Customer Numbers, Fake Jobs)
• Internet Ethics, ATM Fraud, Internet Addiction, Online Shopping Threats,Credit Fraud, Lottery Emails/SMS
• How to Avoid Social Engineering Attacks, Email Security, Debit/Credit Card Fraud, Mobile Phone Security, USB Flash Drive Security, Mobile App Security, Data Security
• Attacks on mobile connectivity security ( Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), mobile like broadband, USB, internet security
• Preventive measures in cyberspace, reporting cybercrime

Unit 3: Introduction to Social Networks

• Social network and its content like blogs
• Inappropriate content on social networks, safe and proper use of social networks
• Flagging and reporting inappropriate content

Unit 4: Electronic Payments and Their Security

• Concept of e-payments, telebanking, and ATM
• Instant payment systems, e-wallets and mobile money transfer
• Cyber ​​crimes in electronic payments
• Unified Payment Interface (UPI)
• KYC: Concept, Cases and Safeguards

Why Did the Ministry of Home Affairs Start this Initiative?

There are several factors that prompted the Home Ministry to launch this cyber security initiative.One of the primary reasons behind its launch was the growing number of cyber attacks in the country.

• In May 2021, Air India suffered a data breach (via a supply chain attack) and the personal information of 4.5 million passengers was compromised.
• In the same month, the test results and personally identifiable information (PII) of 190,000 CAT applicants were leaked to the dark web.
• The Personal Identifiable Information (PII) of 500,000 Indian police officers was leaked and sold in February 2021.
• In January 2021, at least 1,500 patients’ COVID-19 test results were leaked with all their personal information, which

In a Nutshell

The Home Ministry has launched the Cyber Jagrukta Divas initiative to facilitate the capacity building of government organizations and their employees to handle the issues related to cybersecurity. This initiative is an opportunity to spread cybersecurity awareness about the rising concern of increasing cyber attack. In the long run, this initiative will make the employees of government organizations vigilant and cyber aware.