Indian Government Blocks Over 1.4 Lakh Phone Numbers Linked to Financial Frauds; Develops AI-Engine to Detect Hoax Connections
Online frauds have been on the rise in recent times, posing a significant challenge to the Indian government. In an effort to curb such activities, the government has taken a proactive step by blocking approximately 1.4 lakh phone numbers that were found to be linked to cybercrimes, particularly financial frauds. This move aims to protect the interests of individuals and combat the growing menace of cybercrime.
During a meeting chaired by Financial Services Secretary Vivek Joshi, various issues related to cyber security in the financial services sector were discussed. One of the key topics was the onboarding of financial institutions and banks into the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS) service using the Application Programming Interface (API). This integration is expected to enhance coordination between banks, police, and financial institutions in tackling cybercrimes effectively.
To enhance the efficiency of the system, the CFCFRMS will also be integrated into the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP). This integration will enable seamless information sharing and collaboration between key stakeholders, intensifying the battle against cybercrimes in the financial sector.
In a press note, the Department of Telecom (DoT) highlighted that a total of 1.40 lakh mobile handsets were blocked either due to their association with disconnected mobile connections or their involvement in cyber-crime and financial frauds. Additionally, the DoT analyzed 35 lakh Principal Entities responsible for sending bulk SMSs and blacklisted 19,776 entities engaged in sending malicious SMSs. Furthermore, 30,700 SMS Headers and 1,95,766 SMS templates have been disconnected to prevent further misuse.
During the meeting, the readiness of banks and the financial sector in tackling cyber security challenges was also discussed. This readiness was evaluated based on the past meeting held in November 2023, taking into account recent trends in digital payment frauds. The meeting aimed to assess the preparedness of stakeholders and monitor their progress in dealing with such incidents.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has gone a step further in bolstering cyber security measures. It has developed an AI machine learning-based engine called ASTR, which can detect mobile connections activated using forged documents. This advanced technology will enable authorities to identify and take necessary action against fraudulent activities more efficiently.
To streamline promotional and commercial activities, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has prescribed that banks gradually phase out the use of 10-digit numbers and adopt numbers with series such as ‘140xxx’. This move will help in distinguishing such communications from regular messages and ensure a more targeted approach towards customers.
As of now, the efforts to combat cybercrimes have shown promising results. Since April 2023, a total of 500 arrests have been made, approximately 3.08 lakh SIMs have been blocked, and 50,000 IMEIs have been blacklisted. Additionally, 592 fake links and APKs, as well as 2,194 URLs, have been blocked to prevent their misuse.
In addition to developing standard operating procedures for returning funds to victims, the meeting also emphasized the importance of customer awareness programs. These programs aim to educate individuals about potential frauds and provide them with the necessary knowledge to protect themselves from falling victim to cybercrimes. Moreover, the availability of resources for registering complaints was also discussed to ensure a smooth process for reporting incidents and seeking appropriate action.
This recent initiative by the Indian government reflects its commitment to ensuring the security and welfare of its citizens in an increasingly digitalized world. By blocking phone numbers linked to financial frauds and adopting advanced AI-technology, the government aims to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and protect the financial interests of individuals and businesses alike.
Disclaimer: This content is created based on the provided information and is not generated or endorsed by the government or any official authority.
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