On October 14th, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan highlighted the urgent need for a cohesive cybersecurity framework to protect the state’s financial systems against rising online fraud. He emphasized ongoing efforts by Kerala Police to combat cybercrime and called for support from the Centre and the Reserve Bank of India for effective intervention.
Thiruvananthapuram: Today, on October 14th, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive cybersecurity framework to safeguard the state’s financial ecosystem in light of the increasing incidents of online financial fraud. Addressing the state assembly, the CM pointed out that the state has already sought joint intervention from the Centre and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to tackle this growing threat.
With the rapid advancement of technology, cybercrime has become a serious concern, particularly in the financial sector. The CM highlighted that the cyber police division of the Kerala Police is actively working to counter these crimes and ensure the safety of citizens’ financial data.
Rising Threat of Cybercrime
Speaking in response to a submission by Anvar Sadath of the Congress party, CM Vijayan stressed that the state is fully aware of the growing menace of cyber financial frauds. As more people turn to digital banking and online transactions, criminals have also adapted to these technological changes, finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities.
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“The state police have been creating widespread awareness through social media pages to guard against cyber financial frauds,”
said the Chief Minister, acknowledging the importance of public awareness in preventing such crimes.
Cyber Police and Public Support Systems
To effectively combat cybercrime, Kerala has established cyber police stations in all districts. This ensures that cybercrime cases can be reported and handled efficiently across the state. In addition, the government has launched a toll-free number and an exclusive website dedicated to lodging complaints related to cybercrimes, offering citizens a reliable platform for reporting fraud.
“Over 30,000 bank accounts involved in such frauds have already been blocked, and legal actions have been initiated,”
the CM stated, highlighting the significant efforts the state has taken to identify and stop cybercriminals. This massive operation not only involves blocking fraudulent accounts but also disabling the mobile phones associated with these scams, and in some cases, arresting those responsible.
Need for Central and RBI Intervention
Kerala’s efforts, while substantial, need additional support from the Centre and the Reserve Bank of India. The CM emphasized the importance of coordinated action between state and national authorities to ensure that the problem is tackled at every level.
A comprehensive cybersecurity framework is necessary to protect the financial ecosystem from cybercriminals. The Chief Minister also underlined that the increasing sophistication of online scams requires more than just local law enforcement—it demands a national response.
Future Measures to Safeguard Citizens
Kerala’s proactive approach to cybercrime, including the blocking of fraudulent bank accounts, is a step in the right direction. However, as technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. By pushing for a more robust and unified cybersecurity framework, Kerala is looking to set a standard for other states to follow.
In conclusion, CM Pinarayi Vijayan‘s call for stronger measures and collaboration reflects the seriousness of the issue. As Kerala strengthens its cybersecurity efforts, it serves as a reminder that addressing cyber financial fraud requires constant vigilance, technological advancement, and comprehensive cooperation across all levels of government.
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