World Cybercrime Index (WCI)

Context: The first edition of World Cybercrime Index has been published by researchers from University of Oxford.

Overview of the World Cybercrime Index (WCI)

First-ever global ranking of countries by level of cybercrime threat published by researchers of University of Oxford and UNSW Canberra.
Based on research by an international team of experts
Ranks the most significant sources of cybercrime at the national level
Shows a small number of countries are key cybercrime hotspots
Covers five major categories of cybercrime:
- Technical products/services (malware, botnets, hacking tools)
- Attacks and extortion (denial-of-service, ransomware)
- Data/identity theft (hacking, phishing, account compromises)
- Scams (advance fee fraud, business email compromise)
- Cashing out/money laundering (credit card fraud, money mules)

Offenders mask physical locations behind fake profiles and technical protection.
Cybercriminals cannot be easily accessed or surveyed directly due to the illicit, anonymous nature of their activities
Technical data is insufficient to map locations as attacks are routed globally

Ranks 10th in the World Cybercrime Index: India's high ranking in the WCI highlights the significant level of cybercrime threat the country faces.
Cybercrime complaints soared by 200% in 2023, with financial losses reaching ₹168.5 crores.
Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore are among the world's top cities for ransomware detections.
The Indian cybersecurity market size is projected to exhibit a growth rate (CAGR) of 16.5% during 2024-2032. It is estimated at USD 4.70 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 10.90 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 18.33% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The Indian government's launch of the National Cyber Security Policy and the establishment of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) demonstrate its recognition of the cybercrime threat and its commitment to strengthening the country's cybersecurity posture.
The Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) has developed a Training of Trainers module and several training programmes for various levels of police personnel on the new criminal laws.

Q. Consider the following statements

The World Cybercrime Index (WCI) is the first-ever global ranking of countries by level of cybercrime threat.
India rank is higher than the China in the World Cybercrime Index.
India is considered a “balanced hub” for cybercrime, specializing in high-tech crimes.
The Indian government has launched the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to combat cybercrime.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1 and 4 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1, 3, and 4 only

d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (a)