By Narvir Singh Rathour (ASP, State Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau, Shimla,HP)
India’s digital revolution has transformed everyday life. Mobile phones, UPI payments, online banking, social media, and e-governance have brought speed, efficiency, and inclusion. From welfare delivery to business transactions, technology now underpins our daily routines.
But crime has adapted too.
Today, criminals do not need crowbars or locked doors. A phone call, a fake link, or a cloned voice is enough. Policing has therefore evolved—from traditional beat policing to bit policing, where the safety of citizens depends as much on digital vigilance as physical security.
Even a hill state like Himachal Pradesh is not immune. The steady rise in cybercrime complaints is a reminder that geography offers no protection in the online world. Awareness is now the first line of defence.
Cybercrime: No Longer Small-Time Crime
Cybercrime has become a structured, global industry. Stolen personal data, fraud tools, and fake identities are traded openly on illegal platforms. Artificial intelligence has added a dangerous edge—allowing criminals to generate fake videos, clone voices, and impersonate trusted authorities with alarming realism.
One of the most disturbing trends is the so-called “digital arrest” scam, where fraudsters pose as police or officials on video calls and pressure victims into transferring money.
This needs absolute clarity:
No police or investigative agency ever asks for money over phone calls, video calls, or digital platforms.
Fear and urgency are the weapons used—technology is only the medium.
The Himachal Reality
Cybercrime complaints in Himachal Pradesh have risen sharply over the past three years, with reported losses running into hundreds of crores. Timely reporting has helped police freeze significant amounts, proving one crucial fact: speed matters. Delayed reporting often means lost money and lost trails.
To respond, the state police has strengthened cyber police stations, trained officers in digital forensics, coordinated closely with banks, promoted the national helpline 1930, and integrated efforts with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre. Prevention, however, remains as important as investigation.
Laws Are in Place, Awareness Is Key
India’s legal framework—from the Information Technology Act to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita—has kept pace with emerging threats. Courts have also reinforced privacy, free speech, and standards for electronic evidence.
Yet no law can replace informed citizens.
Most cyber fraud succeeds not by hacking systems, but by manipulating human trust. A shared OTP, a hurried click, or an unverified payment request is often all it takes.
Simple Habits, Strong Protection
Never share OTPs, PINs, or passwords. Pause before clicking links or responding to urgent payment demands.
Use two-factor authentication and strong passwords.
Remember: receiving money on UPI never requires a PIN. These small habits prevent big losses.
The Road Ahead
Policing is becoming smarter—using data analytics, cyber forensics, and predictive tools—guided by India’s vision of SMART policing: Strict, Sensitive, Modern, Alert, and Tech-enabled. At the same time, privacy and civil liberties remain non-negotiable.
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Governments, police, banks, technology platforms, and citizens must work together. But awareness remains the strongest firewall.
The digital age is here to stay. It promises progress, efficiency, and empowerment—but only if we remain alert.
Cyber safety is not about fear. It is about responsibility. Think before you click. Report before it’s too late.
