In a strong message highlighting the growing threat of cybercrimes, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna on Friday underscored the urgent need for digital literacy and awareness among citizens. Speaking at a regional-level cyber awareness and training workshop held in Saharanpur via video-conferencing, he said that most cybercrimes stem from greed, negligence, or lack of information, and preventing them requires a combination of education, vigilance, and proactive law enforcement.

The DGP said that cybercrime has emerged as one of the fastest-growing forms of criminal activity in the country, causing massive economic losses to individuals and institutions alike. He noted that the Uttar Pradesh Police have made the prevention and detection of cybercrime a top priority, equipping their personnel with the necessary technical knowledge and investigative skills to handle such cases effectively.

Growing Concern Over Rising Cybercrime

Rajeev Krishna pointed out that as digital transactions and online services expand, cybercriminals are finding new ways to exploit unsuspecting users. He warned that while technological advancements have simplified daily life, they have also opened new avenues for fraudsters. The increasing dependence on online banking, e-commerce, and social media has made people more vulnerable to phishing, identity theft, and investment scams.

“Cybercrime incidents are not just about financial losses,” the DGP remarked. “They erode trust in the digital ecosystem and cause emotional and reputational harm. Therefore, citizens must be aware of the risks and adopt safe online practices.”

Training and Capacity Building for Police

The DGP emphasised that the Uttar Pradesh Police have intensified efforts to strengthen their cyber policing capabilities. Regular training workshops, such as the one held in Saharanpur, are being conducted across the state to improve technical expertise among officers.

The event was attended by over 1,000 students and police personnel, including senior officers from Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, and Shamli districts. The workshop featured sessions on cybercrime investigation, digital forensics, data recovery, and prevention strategies, with experts guiding participants through real-world case studies and best practices for cyber hygiene.

Rajeev Krishna noted that these training sessions help officers stay up to date with the latest digital tools and investigative methods. “Cybercriminals evolve quickly, and so must we. Continuous learning and adaptation are key,” he said.

Citizen Awareness and Community Outreach

Alongside police training, the DGP stressed the importance of community awareness. He explained that many cybercrimes succeed because victims unknowingly share sensitive information or fall for deceptive messages. “Prevention begins with awareness. Citizens must think before clicking links or sharing OTPs,” he said.

To strengthen community outreach, the Uttar Pradesh Police have launched several awareness initiatives, including online campaigns, seminars in schools and colleges, and public demonstrations about safe digital practices. These efforts aim to make digital safety part of everyday conversation, especially among young people who are most active online.

Cyber Helpline and Rapid Response Systems

The DGP also highlighted the establishment of dedicated cyber helplines and digital complaint systems to improve the speed and efficiency of police response. The Cyber Helpline number ‘1930’ enables victims to report incidents immediately, allowing police to freeze fraudulent transactions and track digital footprints before funds are lost.

He explained that the state police have created a specialised cyber unit under the Crime Branch, equipped with modern software tools for data analysis and tracking money trails across multiple accounts. The helpline, combined with police cyber cells in every district, ensures that even rural victims can seek timely assistance.

“The faster a complaint reaches us, the higher the chances of recovery and arrest. Awareness about helplines and reporting procedures is crucial,” the DGP added.

Collaboration with Educational Institutions

The workshop also focused on the role of educational institutions in spreading cyber awareness. Since students and youth form a large segment of internet users, the police are partnering with colleges to organise cyber literacy drives, digital safety clubs, and interactive sessions where young people learn how to identify scams and report suspicious activity.

More than a thousand students from Saharanpur and nearby districts attended the event, engaging in discussions on password protection, online privacy, and safe use of digital payment platforms. Police officials encouraged students to act as “digital ambassadors” and share cyber safety messages within their communities.

Government Support and Future Plans

The DGP reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building a secure digital ecosystem. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, he said, the police department has received enhanced funding and infrastructure support for cyber labs, awareness programmes, and recruitment of trained personnel in cyber forensics.

Future plans include integrating artificial intelligence tools into cyber investigations, creating a centralised cyber threat intelligence platform, and developing e-learning modules for continuous upskilling of officers.

A Call for Responsible Digital Behaviour

Rajeev Krishna concluded by urging citizens to take personal responsibility for their online actions. “The fight against cybercrime is not just a police duty; it’s a shared responsibility. Every user must be digitally aware and cautious. Just as we lock our doors at night, we must also lock our digital devices and data,” he said.

He advised users to enable two-factor authentication, avoid sharing sensitive data over calls or messages, regularly update passwords, and verify links before clicking. “Digital safety is a habit that must be cultivated early,” he added.

The DGP’s address served as a reminder that while technology offers immense opportunities, it demands equal responsibility from every user. As cybercriminals grow more sophisticated, only awareness, preparedness, and collaboration can safeguard citizens in an increasingly connected world.