New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has introduced a free online cybersecurity awareness programme aimed at helping citizens recognise digital fraud, safeguard financial information and use the internet more securely.
Developed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), the initiative focuses on educating internet users about common methods employed by cybercriminals. These include fraudulent banking calls, fake Know Your Customer (KYC) update messages, phishing links, counterfeit job offers and misleading credit card upgrade schemes.
The programme also aims to familiarise participants with tactics used by fraudsters to obtain sensitive information, including one-time passwords (OTPs), banking credentials and credit or debit card details.
The launch comes against the backdrop of rising financial cybercrime in India. According to government figures, more than 53.87 lakh cyber fraud complaints were recorded on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal between 2023-24 and 2025-26. The reported financial losses during this period exceeded Rs 56,087 crore.
Meanwhile, the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS) has helped prevent losses exceeding Rs 11,158 crore across more than 32.80 lakh complaints. These figures were recorded up to June 30, 2026, highlighting the importance of prompt reporting and intervention in suspected financial fraud cases.
Through this initiative, the MHA intends to make cybersecurity knowledge accessible beyond specialised institutions and professionals, extending it to ordinary internet users.
According to an announcement by CyberDost I4C, the course is open to students, working professionals, government employees and senior citizens. Enrolment is free, and participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a digital certificate.
