Hyderabad, September 26Cybercrime has emerged as a major threat to financial security in India, with an alarming Rs. 3,000 crores looted by cyber criminals across various states in the past year. The growing sophistication of cyber attacks and the widespread use of digital platforms have made individuals and businesses vulnerable to these malicious actors.**State-wise Breakdown of Cyber Heists**Among the states, Telangana has witnessed significant losses, with Rs. 759 crores stolen by cyber criminals. Maharashtra, often seen as a financial hub, tops the list with Rs. 990 crores swindled from citizens and businesses alike. Uttar Pradesh follows closely with Rs. 721 crores, while Tamil Nadu and Gujarat reported losses of Rs. 662 crores and Rs. 650 crores, respectively. These figures indicate a troubling trend, with cybercrime escalating in both frequency and scale across the nation.**Sophisticated Scams and New Tactics**Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their methods, employing a range of sophisticated techniques to defraud their victims. In some instances, fraudsters impersonate Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax (IT) department officials, threatening individuals with legal action unless they transfer large sums of money. These tactics have enabled criminals to siphon off lakhs of rupees in a single strike, further aggravating the already dire situation.**A National Crisis**The cumulative losses from these cyber attacks now stand at over Rs. 3,000 crores annually, painting a grim picture of the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure. With an increasing number of citizens relying on digital banking and online transactions, the threat posed by cyber criminals has become a national concern.**Government Response and Need for Action**While law enforcement agencies have ramped up efforts to counter these crimes, the pace of cyber fraud continues to outstrip these initiatives. Experts are calling for stronger cybersecurity frameworks, increased public awareness, and faster coordination between state and central authorities to mitigate the risks and protect citizens.The rise in cybercrime highlights the urgent need for better digital literacy, stronger regulations, and rapid implementation of security protocols across sectors. Until then, citizens are urged to exercise caution, verify sources, and avoid sharing sensitive information online to safeguard themselves from falling prey to such attacks.