Guwahati, 18th September: In response to a surge in cyber fraud, Assam is set to enhance its cybersecurity infrastructure with the establishment of India’s second National Cyber Forensics Lab (NCFL) at the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon. This initiative is part of a broader national strategy to address the rising tide of online crime and bolster law enforcement capabilities.
The new NCFL, scheduled to become operational soon, follows the recent damage of a crucial bailey bridge at Zeema, North Sikkim, by flash floods. It aims to fortify Assam’s defenses against increasing cybercrime, a sector that has seen a sharp rise in recent years. The lab’s strategic location within the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy positions it as a key asset for the state’s law enforcement agencies.
The establishment of this lab is part of a coordinated national response spearheaded by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs. On September 17, 2024, Assam’s Chief Minister, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, expressed his gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai for their support. He emphasized the lab’s importance in improving the state’s cybersecurity infrastructure and enhancing efforts to prevent, investigate, and prosecute cybercrimes.
In his statement on social media, Dr. Sarma aligned the initiative with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Safe Cyber Space Campaign,” which aims to create a more secure digital environment. He noted the critical role of the new lab in addressing the growing menace of cybercrime.
The Assam NCFL will complement the existing National Cyber Forensics Lab in Tripura, which has been operational since 2013. Together, these labs are expected to enhance the overall cybersecurity infrastructure in the northeastern region, providing technical assistance for cybercrime investigations and serving as training hubs for law enforcement personnel.
Recent data from the I4C highlights the urgency of enhancing cybersecurity measures. Between January and April 2024, India reported 20,043 trading scams resulting in ₹14,204.83 crore in losses, and 62,687 investment scams with losses totaling ₹2,225.82 crore. These figures underscore the pressing need for advanced cyber forensic capabilities to combat fraudulent activities linked to trading apps, loan apps, gaming apps, and dating apps.
The I4C, established on October 5, 2018, has been instrumental in coordinating national efforts against cybercrime, providing training, and promoting cooperation between various stakeholders. The new NCFL in Assam is expected to play a significant role in tracing the origins of cyber attacks and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable through effective legal processes.
The launch of the National Cyber Forensics Lab in Assam represents a crucial step in the state’s effort to combat cybercrime. With support from the Union Government and national agencies like the I4C, Assam is positioning itself as a leader in India’s cybersecurity efforts, aiming to provide a safer digital environment for its citizens.
Read More: Congress Accuses Assam CM of Using Assam Accord to Distract from Alleged Family Corruption