Vaishnaw Champions Cybersecurity: Blocks 1.32L Phones, Recovers 1K Cr Amidst Cybercrime Surge

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw spearheads a cybersecurity triumph, blocking 1.32L phones and recovering 1K Cr, fortifying defence against cybercrime and illicit mobile activities.

Muskan Jha December 17, 2023

301 2 minutes read

Union Minister’s Vigilance Yields Results: Massive Crackdown on Illicit Mobile Connections and Financial Fraud

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1 Union Minister’s Vigilance Yields Results: Massive Crackdown on Illicit Mobile Connections and Financial Fraud

1.1 Robust System Unveiled for Swift Fraudulent Mobile Detection

In a commendable stride towards safeguarding citizens from cyber threats, the Indian government, led by Union Minister of Communications, Electronics, and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has successfully recovered over Rs.1,000 crore belonging to 400,000 individuals that fell victim to cyber criminals. This revelation emerged during a parliamentary session in response to queries raised by Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Kumar Modi regarding the surge in fraudulent mobiles and cybercrime.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, at the forefront of these efforts, shared that a staggering 132,000 mobile connections have been blocked, with an additional 278,000 connections severed, all linked to cybercrime and financial fraud. The government’s proactive measures have also resulted in the blocking of more than 5.5 million illegal mobile connections obtained through falsified documentation.

Robust System Unveiled for Swift Fraudulent Mobile Detection

The Union minister disclosed the implementation of a sophisticated system designed to detect fraudulent mobile connections. Upon identification, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) are promptly instructed to conduct re-verification, leading to the disconnection of non-compliant mobile connections. To further empower citizens, the government introduced the Sanchar Saathi portal, allowing users to verify mobile connections issued in their name, report illegal connections, and even flag stolen or lost phones, leading to their universal blocking.

In the realm of text-based cyber fraud, the government leveraged Artificial Intelligence (AI) analysis of text messages, resulting in an impressive 36% reduction in such crimes between February and November 2023. Notably, 220,000 WhatsApp accounts linked to illegal mobile connections were deactivated, and 162 illicit telecom setups were dismantled in 2021.

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Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that 365 cases were registered against errant Points of Sale, leading to the blacklisting of 70,313. Furthermore, ‘Banks and Payments’ wallets associated with disconnected mobile phones froze 983,000 accounts.

To enhance public vigilance, the government urges citizens to report fraudulent and suspicious calls through dedicated helplines, emphasizing the collaborative effort needed to combat the rising tide of cybercrime. Ashwini Vaishnaw’s leadership underscores the commitment to creating a secure digital environment for every citizen.

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