New Delhi: Delhi University has entered into a partnership with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to strengthen cybersecurity awareness, prevention and response mechanisms across its campuses.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to protect students from growing digital threats such as online financial fraud, cyberbullying, identity theft, phishing attacks and other forms of cybercrime. The initiative will place special emphasis on students, including women and individuals from economically weaker sections who may face increased vulnerability to online exploitation.

Partnership Focuses on Cyber Awareness and Skill Development

The agreement was signed by Delhi University Registrar Vikas Gupta and I4C Director Nishant Kumar. The collaboration will focus on cyber hygiene, awareness campaigns, research initiatives, internships, capacity building programmes and student engagement activities.

University officials said the move was prompted by the rising number of incidents involving students being targeted through digital fraud and online harassment. They highlighted that careless online behaviour can lead to serious financial, emotional and reputational consequences.

With students increasingly dependent on digital platforms for education, payments, communication and career opportunities, educational institutions have become important areas for cybersecurity awareness efforts.

I4C to Support Training and Cybersecurity Initiatives

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, plays a central role in coordinating India’s response to cybercrime.

Through platforms such as the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the 1930 cyber fraud helpline, I4C supports faster reporting and response to online financial crimes. The centre also works on cyber threat analysis, law enforcement training and technology-driven investigation support.

Under the Delhi University partnership, students are expected to participate in cybersecurity workshops, awareness drives, hackathons and competitions. Internship opportunities and cyber volunteer programmes will also be promoted to provide practical exposure to cybersecurity operations.

Moving Beyond Awareness to Research and Innovation

Officials said the collaboration is designed not only as a short-term awareness campaign but also as a long-term effort to create a stronger cybersecurity ecosystem within academic institutions.

Delhi University Computer Centre Director Sanjeev Singh said the initiative would provide students with opportunities to gain practical knowledge of cyber investigations and emerging security technologies through collaborative projects.

The partnership also aims to encourage research cooperation between cybersecurity professionals and academic communities to address challenges specific to university environments.

Experts Stress Need for Digital Literacy Among Students

Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said students are increasingly targeted because of their extensive digital presence and frequent use of online services.

He noted that cybercriminals often exploit situations involving fake internships, scholarship scams, phishing messages and online financial offers. According to experts, introducing cybersecurity education as part of academic life can help students identify risks and adopt safer digital practices.

The collaboration between Delhi University and I4C is expected to be implemented through phased programmes during upcoming academic sessions, bringing together government expertise, law enforcement resources and academic participation to improve campus cyber resilience.

New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has disconnected more than five crore fraudulent mobile connections over the last two years as part of a nationwide campaign against telecom-enabled cybercrime.

The department has also helped recover more than 12 lakh lost or stolen mobile phones and prevented suspected cyber fraud losses exceeding ₹1,800 crore, officials said during a security conference held in Hyderabad.

The event brought together representatives from telecom authorities, police departments, banking institutions and mobile operators to discuss strategies for tackling the growing misuse of communication networks by cybercriminals.

Fake SIM Cards Used as Tools for Cybercrime

Officials said illegally obtained SIM cards have become a major tool for organised cyber fraud networks. Criminal groups allegedly use such connections for phishing attacks, identity-based scams, digital payment fraud, impersonation cases and other online crimes.

Since fake or improperly obtained mobile numbers provide criminals with temporary and difficult-to-trace communication channels, removing these connections is considered a key step in disrupting cybercrime operations.

Director General (Telecom) Anand Khare said coordinated action between government agencies, financial institutions, law enforcement and telecom companies is essential to strengthening India’s digital security framework.

Technology Helps Prevent Financial Fraud

A major component of the prevention strategy is the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator, a system designed to identify suspicious telecom-linked financial activity at an early stage.

Officials said the technology has helped authorities intervene before fraudulent transactions could result in larger losses. The system works alongside other digital safety initiatives under the DoT’s Sanchar Saathi platform.

Tools such as TAFCOP, which allows citizens to check mobile connections issued in their name, and the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), which enables blocking of lost or stolen phones through IMEI numbers, are also being used to strengthen telecom security.

Andhra Pradesh Reports Major Enforcement Success

The Andhra Pradesh Licensed Service Area recorded significant achievements during 2025-26, including the dismantling of 11 illegal telecom and cybercrime operations.

The region also recovered nearly 2.04 lakh lost and stolen mobile phones, the highest number among DoT service areas during the period. Officials attributed the achievement to cooperation between telecom operators, law enforcement agencies and the CEIR system.

During the Hyderabad conference, the DoT also inaugurated its first Network Security Laboratory at its Andhra Pradesh office. The facility is expected to support technical analysis of telecom vulnerabilities and assist investigations into emerging digital threats.

Experts Warn Cybercriminals Continue to Adapt

Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said fraudulent mobile connections play a critical role in several cybercrime activities, including phishing operations, OTP fraud, identity theft and digital arrest scams.

He described the removal of millions of fake connections as an important disruption to criminal networks but stressed that cybercriminals often shift tactics and adopt new methods when existing channels are blocked.

Experts believe stronger KYC enforcement, artificial intelligence-based fraud detection, advanced telecom monitoring and faster information sharing between agencies will remain crucial in combating evolving cyber threats.

Authorities said the fight against telecom-based fraud will require continuous cooperation between telecom companies, banks, investigators and technology providers as criminals continue to explore new ways to exploit digital systems.

In a significant move to curb land fraud, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced that Aadhaar-based biometric authentication will become mandatory for all property registrations starting February 1. The new system will require real-time verification of buyers, sellers, and witnesses, marking a major tightening of safeguards in land transactions across the state.

Biometric Verification to Prevent Fraud

According to official instructions issued to all registration offices, the revised process falls under the Uttar Pradesh Online Document Registration Rules, 2024. The policy aims to eliminate impersonation, forged identities, and fraudulent land sales—issues that have long plagued property dealings.

Under the new system, Aadhaar-based e-signatures will be the only legally recognized method of authentication. Transaction details must first be uploaded online through designated software. On the day of registration, fingerprints of all parties involved will be verified in real time against the Aadhaar database.

If any biometric mismatch is detected, the registration will be automatically blocked. Upon successful verification, photographs of all participants will be captured and uploaded to the official portal, creating a permanent digital record linked to the property transaction.

Closing Gaps in Property Verification

Until now, property registration largely relied on submitted documents, with limited real-time identity checks. This system was vulnerable to fraud through forged papers or proxy individuals. Authorities say integrating Aadhaar will greatly reduce such incidents and strengthen transparency in land records.

Broader Governance and Civic Developments

The policy is part of Uttar Pradesh’s broader push toward digitization and transparent governance. Officials stress that the biometric system has been tested, with support mechanisms and training in place for registration staff to ensure a smooth rollout. Public awareness campaigns are also planned to educate citizens about the new requirements.

Meanwhile, civic developments in Lucknow signal rising costs for residents. The Lucknow Municipal Corporation recently approved increases in license fees for nursing homes, hospitals, pathology labs, restaurants, and cafés. These hikes are expected to raise the cost of private healthcare and dining in the city.

Challenges and Implementation Considerations

Legal experts caution that successful implementation will depend on reliable biometric infrastructure, uninterrupted Aadhaar database connectivity, and well-trained registration staff. Technical glitches could cause delays and inconvenience, underscoring the need for robust operational support.

By making Aadhaar authentication compulsory, Uttar Pradesh aims to enhance oversight in a sector historically susceptible to fraud. At the same time, growing civic charges highlight the financial pressures on urban residents, reflecting a governance approach that balances regulation with revenue measures.