Cyber Encounters: DGP Ashok Kumar unveils dark world of cybercrime

Co-authored with former DRDO scientist OP Manocha, DGP Ashok Kumar’s latest book gives an account of real cybercrimes

NEW DELHI | Updated: 20 April, 2023 9:53 pm IST

An award-winning writer, Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Kumar released his latest book on cybercrimes, titled Cyber Encounters, at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on Thursday.

Kumar co-authored the book with OP Manocha, the former scientist at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The foreword of the book, published by Penguin Random House, was written by the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan.

Speaking to The New Indian, DGP Kumar said, “Police are adept at tackling the challenges of cybercrime. But the volume is too high.” He said that it is important for the public to be aware of the challenges of cybercrime. “There is awareness needed about cybercrime,” he added.

DGP Kumar is an IPS officer of the 1989 batch from the Uttarakhand cadre. His earlier, pathbreaking book, Khaki Mein Insaan, has received the GB Pant Award from the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) and the Ministry of Home Affairs. He has also authored Challenges to Internal Security of India, published by McGraw Hill.

Manocha has executed various defence projects in the DRDO and is an active blogger and writer.

An ace in solving cybercrime, DGP Kumar’s book presented 12 fascinating stories, giving an account of real cybercrimes relating to fake identities on social media, ransomware, card cloning, sextortion, and phishing, among others.

“The book makes people aware of the crimes being committed in cyberspace, highlighting the modus operandi of the criminals in committing these crimes,” DGP Kumar said.

But perhaps the most important aspect of the book is the tips that the authors share to help check cybercrimes. “It also provides valuable cybertips on how to prevent becoming a victim of such crimes,” he added.

Manocha discussed the various types of cyber threats and their impact on individuals, organisations, and nations.

Professor Dr Vikram Singh, Ex-DGP UP; Lt Gen (Retd) (Dr) Rajesh Pant, National Cyber Security Coordinator, PMO; Aman Gupta, Co-Founder and CMO boat; Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora; DG ITBP Anish Dayal Singh and DG NHRC Manoj Yadav were also present on the occasion.

A panel discussion, moderated by Advaita Kala, renowned journalist and scriptwriter of the Bollywood thriller movie ‘Kahani,’ highlighted the techniques employed by cybercriminals and the challenges faced by the police, among other issues.

Also Read Story

Lessons for India from Tulsi Gabbard’s approach to Trump’s win

Supreme Court curbs “Bulldozer Justice”: Establishes protocol for demolition in criminal cases

Delhi police launches extensive raids on notorious gang networks

Srinagar grenade blast victim dies after 10 days in ICU