CYBERCRIME AND SECURITY CHALLENGES IN INDIA; A CRITICAL LEGAL ANALYSIS

AUTHOR – SHWETANK SINGH* & DR. ANUPRIYA YADAV**

* STUDENT AT AMITY UNIVERSITY LUCKNOW

** PROFESSOR AT AMITY UNIVERSITY LUCKNOW

BEST CITATION – SHWETANK SINGH & DR. ANUPRIYA YADAV, CYBERCRIME AND SECURITY CHALLENGES IN INDIA; A CRITICAL LEGAL ANALYSIS INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (5) OF 2026, PG. 790-800, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract

The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed India, positioning it among the largest internet user bases in the world. While digital connectivity has catalysed economic growth, social interaction, and governance efficiency, it has simultaneously created an expanded attack surface for cybercriminals. The rapid adoption of online platforms, digital payment systems, cloud storage, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and deepfakes has heightened the risks of cybercrime, exposing individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure to sophisticated cyber threats. This research paper undertakes a critical analysis of cybercrime in India, examining its evolution, typologies, and contemporary trends. Employing a doctrinal methodology, the study explores the legal and institutional frameworks designed to address cyber threats, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code. It evaluates the effectiveness of these laws in criminalizing cyber offences, regulating intermediaries, and providing mechanisms for investigation, adjudication, and redressal. The paper identifies persistent challenges in the Indian cybersecurity ecosystem, such as jurisdictional complexities in cross-border cybercrime, evidentiary difficulties in digital investigations, inadequate law enforcement capacity, and tensions between encryption and lawful access. Moreover, it highlights accountability gaps in intermediary liability, limited digital literacy among citizens, and evolving threats that outpace current legislative provisions. Institutional responses, including initiatives by CERT-In, NCIIPC, and I4C, are critically examined, emphasizing the need for capacity building, coordination, and proactive threat mitigation. Based on this analysis, the study proposes a set of reforms aimed at strengthening India’s cybercrime response and cybersecurity posture. Recommendations include legislative updates to address emerging technologies, enhanced enforcement and investigative mechanisms, improved public-private partnerships, citizen awareness programs, and greater international cooperation. The paper argues that only a holistic approach, integrating legal, technical, and institutional measures, can ensure a secure digital environment while upholding privacy, accountability, and the rule of law.

Keywords

Cybercrime, cybersecurity, Information Technology Act, digital security, India, legal challenges