Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [17.05.2024]: Click here to Know More
Understanding ‘Digital Arrest’: How to Protect Yourself from Cybercriminals
The central government, with Microsoft’s help, has blocked over 1,000 Skype IDs used by cybercriminals posing as law enforcement for extortion. Citizens are advised to report incidents immediately. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) is actively combating this scam by blocking SIM cards and mule accounts and raising public awareness.
Panaji Doctor and Jeweler Lose Rs 3.4 Crore to Cyber Fraud
In Panaji, a woman lost Rs 90 lakh and a jeweler Rs 2.5 crore to stock market fraud via social media links and WhatsApp groups. Cybercrime police report professionals being targeted, with over Rs 7 crore lost in four months. Fraudsters lure victims with fake trading apps, demanding fees to withdraw nonexistent profits.
One Fake Call Can Drain Your Bank Account: MHA Warns About Parcel Scam
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) warns of scams involving men posing as officials to blackmail victims through fake “digital arrests.” They demand bribes to settle fictitious cases. The MHA, with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), is combating this by blocking Skype IDs and targeting SIM cards and fake accounts. Report incidents to 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
Bogus Stock Trading Firm Dupes People: 17 Arrested
Vadodara cybercrime police arrested 17 individuals for running a fake stock market company, “Angel Broking Customer Care,” and defrauding a senior executive of Rs 94.18 lakh. The gang used a WhatsApp group and bogus documents to lure victims. Eleven of the arrested allowed their bank accounts to be used for fraudulent transactions.
ALSO READ: All You Need To Know About Digital Arrest: A Novel Cybercrime Trend
Two Fake Call centers were busted in Mohali, and 155 were arrested.
Mohali’s cyber crime division busted two fake call centres in Industrial Area Phase-7 and Phase-8B, targeting foreign nationals with bogus “maintenance services” and tricking them into online payments. In total, 155 employees were arrested. Cases were registered under relevant IPC and IT Act sections.
INTERNATIONAL
ICIR Alerts as Journalist Faces Police Inquiry for Alleged Cyberstalking
The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Nigeria, raised concerns over a police invitation for journalist Nurudeen Akewushola, related to a cyberstalking investigation. ICIR suspects the case stems from an investigative report on police corruption. The organisation demands detailed information and a new invitation, highlighting growing harassment of journalists under the Cybercrimes Act.
ALSO READ: The420.in Records a Massive 225,574 Active Users in a Single Day
Cyber Attacks on Cryptocurrency: A Global Threat
The cryptocurrency market, valued at $2.5 trillion, exceeds Israel’s GDP. Despite regulations, it’s a conduit for global criminal activities. Lack of specialized enforcement enables remote perpetrators, causing significant losses. Lionsgate Network aids victims, urging robust security measures. Education, vigilance, and swift action are crucial against evolving cyber threats.
NCSC Chief Technology Officer Advocates Repairing Broken Market for Advancing New Technology
TNCSC CTO Ollie Whitehouse critiques the tech market’s role in cybersecurity issues at CYBERUK. He emphasizes the disconnect between claims and reality in security efficacy, citing high levels of technical debt. Advocates holding vendors accountable with penalties for security failings, aligning with CISA’s stance. Regulatory changes may be necessary.
Alexandria Man Profited from Selling Tool That Caused Global Cyber Attacks
Amar Tagore, 21, from West Dunbartonshire, pleaded guilty to creating and selling a tool for Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attacks, causing widespread disruption. Police Scotland’s two-year cybercrime investigation revealed his global activity, earning tens of thousands of pounds. Collaboration with international partners reflects the global nature of cybercrime enforcement.
British Intelligence Prioritizes Countering Beijing in Cyberspace
CYBERUK 2024, hosted by NCSC, focused on “Future Tech, Future Threat, Future Ready.” While past events emphasized Russia, this year spotlighted China’s cyber threat. GCHQ director highlighted growing concerns over China’s ties to cyber operations, signaling a shift in focus towards countering China’s influence in cybersecurity.