Amit Shah Unveils Four Key Cybersecurity Initiatives to Strengthen National Security

Amit Shah Unveils Four Key Cybersecurity Initiatives to Strengthen National Security

On Tuesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated four significant cybersecurity initiatives in Delhi:

  1. Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC)
  2. Cyber Commandos
  3. Samanvaya Portal
  4. Suspect Registry

Importance of Cybersecurity

During the first foundation day celebrations of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Shah underscored the critical role of cybersecurity in national progress. He emphasized that while technology offers numerous benefits, it also poses significant threats. According to Shah, “Without cybersecurity, national security is not possible.”

Focus on the Suspect Registry

Shah highlighted the necessity of a national-level Suspect Registry. He noted that while states currently maintain their own suspect registries, these are often limited to specific jurisdictions. A unified national registry, he argued, would provide a more comprehensive approach to tracking suspects.

Utilization of Artificial Intelligence

Shah called upon I4C to leverage artificial intelligence to analyze data from the Suspect Registry. This would help identify the methods used by cyber fraudsters and enhance the effectiveness of cybercrime investigations.

Launch of the Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC)

The CFMC, established at I4C in New Delhi, will serve as a central platform for various stakeholders, including financial institutions, telecom companies, international service providers, and law enforcement agencies. This initiative aims to improve cooperation and coordination to combat online financial crimes, showcasing a model of “cooperative federalism” in law enforcement.

Training of Cyber Commandos

The ministry announced a plan to train 5,000 Cyber Commandos over the next five years. This program, initially proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will create a specialized unit within states, union territories (UTs), and Central Police Organizations (CPOs) to tackle cyber threats effectively.

Introduction of the Samanvaya Platform

The Samanvaya Platform, also known as the Joint Cybercrime Investigation Facilitation System, is a web-based module designed for comprehensive data management. It will function as a one-stop portal for cybercrime data repository, sharing, mapping, analytics, and coordination among law enforcement agencies across the country.


Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):

  1. What are the four cybersecurity initiatives inaugurated by Amit Shah?
    • A) Cyber Commandos, Samanvaya Portal, Suspect Registry, and Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC)
    • B) Cyber Commandos, National Security Portal, Suspect Registry, and Financial Security Centre
    • C) Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC), Samanvaya Portal, Suspect Registry, and Cyber Commandos
    • D) Cyber Commandos, Cyber Crime Control Centre, Suspect Registry, and Data Analytics Portal
    Answer: C) Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC), Samanvaya Portal, Suspect Registry, and Cyber Commandos
  2. What is the primary goal of the Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC)?
    • A) To enhance physical security in financial institutions
    • B) To provide a single platform for cybersecurity enhancement among various stakeholders
    • C) To develop new cybercrime laws
    • D) To train law enforcement officers
    Answer: B) To provide a single platform for cybersecurity enhancement among various stakeholders
  3. Why does Amit Shah advocate for a national-level Suspect Registry?
    • A) To simplify legal procedures
    • B) To provide comprehensive tracking of suspects across jurisdictions
    • C) To reduce the cost of maintaining suspect records
    • D) To facilitate international cooperation
    Answer: B) To provide comprehensive tracking of suspects across jurisdictions
  4. What is the purpose of the Samanvaya Platform?
    • A) To provide financial assistance to cybercrime victims
    • B) To serve as a one-stop portal for cybercrime data management and coordination
    • C) To enhance physical security at government offices
    • D) To conduct public awareness campaigns about cyber threats
    Answer: B) To serve as a one-stop portal for cybercrime data management and coordination
  5. How many Cyber Commandos does the ministry plan to train over the next five years?
    • A) 1,000
    • B) 2,500
    • C) 5,000
    • D) 10,000
    Answer: C) 5,000