Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [06.09.2024]: Click here to Know More
Important global cybercrime news has been curated by Futurecrime Researchers to keep you informed about various types of digital fraud occurring worldwide and to provide insights into the best mitigation strategies. Read below to learn more in detail.
1. Cyber Fraud Kingpin and Three Others Detained
UP STF arrested three accused, including kingpin Haripriya Pradhan, for defrauding an SGPGI professor of ₹2.81 crores by posing as CBI officers. The gang had coerced the victim into revealing personal information and transferring funds. Six others were arrested earlier in the case.
2. INCOIS Defrauded of Rs 40 Lakh by Cyber Scammers
Cybercriminals duped INCOIS of Rs 40 lakh by redirecting payment meant for a Finnish supplier to a fraudulent account in Portugal. INCOIS realized the fraud after the supplier flagged pending dues. The Cyberabad police have launched an investigation into the spoofing incident.
ALSO READ: Join The Movement: Registration Open for ‘Cyber Safe Uttar Pradesh’ Event by FCRF on October 17
3. Traditional Burglaries Fade as Cybercrime Rises in Kochi
With increased surveillance, traditional crimes like burglary in Kochi have drastically decreased. However, cyber frauds, particularly online loan scams and app-based frauds, are on the rise, with educated victims often falling prey. Cybercrimes now outnumber conventional thefts in the city.
4. “Numerous Attempts Made…”: ISRO Chief to NDTV on Cyber Scams
ISRO Chairman Dr. S Somanath emphasized India’s digital growth and rising cybersecurity threats. He mentioned frequent, unsuccessful fraud attempts against him and highlighted the need to strengthen cybersecurity. He inaugurated ‘Cyber Nalanda’ for cybersecurity R&D collaboration.
5. Telangana Invites Startups to Develop AI Solutions for Cybercrime Helpline
Telangana’s Cyber Security Bureau invites startups to develop AI-driven technology for the 1930 cybercrime helpline. Officials discussed AI’s role in combating cybercrime at the Sub-Summit on AI and Cyber Security, emphasizing the need for innovation and protection of digital assets.
INTERNATIONAL
6. NCSC and Partners Accuse Russia’s Unit 29155 of Cyber Attacks
The UK, alongside international partners, identified GRU’s Unit 29155 for cyberattacks targeting Ukraine and NATO. The group has employed malware like Whispergate, aimed at data destruction rather than ransom. The unit focuses on espionage, sabotage, and using third-party cybercriminals for disruptive activities across Europe.
7. New Cross-Platform Malware KTLVdoor Uncovered in Cyberattack Targeting Chinese Trading Firm
A Chinese-speaking hacker group, Earth Lusca, used new cross-platform malware called KTLVdoor to target a Chinese trading firm. The malware, written in Golang, operates on Windows and Linux systems. KTLVdoor impersonates system utilities to execute commands and scan networks. Over 50 command-and-control servers, hosted by Alibaba, were discovered communicating with the malware. Researchers suggest the infrastructure may be shared with other Chinese threat actors.
ALSO READ: Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF) and Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), NABARD Join Forces to Strengthen Cybersecurity in Rural Banking
8. Chinese-Speaking Hackers Target Human Rights Research in the Middle East
Tropic Trooper, a Chinese-speaking hacker group, attacked governmental systems in the Middle East since June 2023, focusing on human rights research around the Israel-Hamas conflict. They used the Crowdoor malware, exploiting web server vulnerabilities for espionage, although these efforts were ultimately thwarted.
9. Hackers Using MacroPack to Deploy Havoc, Brute Ratel, and PhantomCore
Cisco Talos found that threat actors are using MacroPack, a payload generation tool, to deliver malware like Havoc and PhantomCore. Discovered in documents from various countries, MacroPack uses non-obfuscated VBA subroutines and advanced techniques to evade detection. The attacks follow a three-step process involving malicious Office documents.
10. France Invokes Old Cyber Law to Press Charges Against Telegram CEO
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was charged in France for providing encryption services without proper certification. The charges highlight obscure laws regulating cryptology, creating uncertainty for tech platforms offering encrypted messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal, even though Telegram’s encryption is not default-enabled.