Achive.php April 4, 2025 - The Cyber Shark
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Archives for April 4, 2025

BFSI and Tech Lead India’s Cyber Insurance Surge Amid Growing Attacks

India’s Cyber Insurance

Cyber insurance adoption in India is surging, driven by rising cyberattacks, with BFSI and tech sectors holding a 70% market share. Nearly 100% policy renewals and increased first-time buyers highlight its growing role in ensuring business continuity and regulatory compliance. In India, cyber insurance is expanding at an unprecedented rate, with 100% of policies being renewed as companies realize how often cyberattacks are becoming. With a combined 70% market share, the BFSI (35–40%) and technology (30%) sectors are driving uptake, per a survey by Policy Bazaar for Business. The survey also shows that business interruptions caused by data breaches account for 45% of all cyber insurance claims, underscoring the critical role that cyber coverage plays in preserving business continuity. According to the report, the largest penetration of cyber insurance is found in mid-to-large firms with annual sales of at least ₹10 crore, suggesting a better awareness of regulatory requirements and cyber hazards. The following is the adoption breakdown by industry: BFSI (35-40%) – Financial institutions are the biggest buyers of cyber insurance due to increased financial fraud, regulatory scrutiny, and customer data protection requirements. Technology & IT (30%) – IT and internet companies are giving risk mitigation through insurance top priority because of their data-heavy operations and high vulnerability to cyberattacks. Start-ups (25%) – Adoption among rapidly expanding firms is being driven by venture capital investors and contractual responsibilities. Healthcare (5%) – More and more hospitals and healthcare organizations are protecting themselves from ransomware and data intrusions. Logistics (5%) – Logistics companies are investing in coverage as a result of the increased cyber dangers brought about by the growth of digital supply chains. According to the survey, a notable change has also occurred, with 30–35% of companies acquiring cyber insurance for the first time. This implies that individuals are becoming increasingly conscious of the operational and financial risks associated with cyberattacks, especially for start-ups and mid-sized enterprises. More and more businesses are adopting a proactive strategy, acquiring coverage before an attack, in place of a reactive one. What’s driving cyber insurance claims? The survey also sheds light on the reasons why companies are submitting cyber insurance claims, with the biggest percentage (45%) citing business disruptions brought on by data breaches. Claim Type Percentage of Claims Business Interruption from Data Breach 45% Social Engineering Attacks (Phishing, CEO Fraud) 25% Ransomware Incidents 20% Other 10% Businesses are using insurance to cover both direct financial losses and operational disruption as a result of the increase in ransomware attacks and social engineering scams. According to the report, growing contractual duties and regulatory constraints have caused the cyber insurance market to expand rapidly over the past 12 to 24 months. Regulatory compliance: Businesses are being forced to strengthen their cyber resilience in response to more stringent cybersecurity regulations and data protection rules. Contractual requirements: As part of their risk management framework, businesses, particularly in the BFSI and IT sectors, now demand that partners and vendors obtain cyber insurance. Risk assessments: Businesses are aggressively detecting weaknesses and obtaining insurance before problems arise. Eva Saiwal, Head of Liability Insurance at Policy Bazaar for Commercial, notes that “cyber insurance has evolved from a niche product to a business necessity.” The nearly 100% renewal rate suggests that businesses consider it essential. Cyber insurance is now a crucial component that facilitates business continuity in addition to financial recovery. Building a robust digital ecosystem will require incorporating insurance into cyber risk management plans as cyber threats increase.

Maharashtra Cyber Corporation was formed to audit govt and Pvt. Firms’ preparedness for fraud

Maharashtra Cyber Corporation

The Maharashtra government has transformed its Cyber Command Center into the Maharashtra Cyber Corporation to strengthen cybersecurity readiness. It will audit and guide government and private firms on cyber fraud prevention. On April 1, 2025, the Maharashtra government formally transformed its Maharashtra Cyber Corporation Command Center into a cyber corporation that will investigate the state’s overall readiness for cyber security. It will serve as a guide for public and commercial organizations, as well as government departments, on safe cyber practices and cyber security. At a cabinet meeting last month, the idea to turn the MMaharashtra Cyber Corporation Police into a company was accepted. Maharashtra Cyber, which operated off of a floor at Cuffe Parade, received an upgrade last year when the state government invested Rs 838 crore and gave it the entire Mahape building in Navi Mumbai. An official added, “We will be guiding government and private companies in matters of cyber security. To make sure they don’t become victims of cyber fraud, this will be done. Private businesses will be subject to yearly audits and need to adhere to the security protocols established by the Corporation. According to the Government Resolution, the state government will own all of the corporation when it is formed under the Companies Act. The Corporation’s authorized share capital will be Rs 200 crore. The entire paid-up and subscribed share capital will come from the state government. This will cover the corporation’s first year’s necessary administrative costs, and any further administrative costs will be covered by the corporation’s revenue, the GR stated.

Gift Card Scams: Protect Yourself from Fraudsters

Gift cards

Scammers use gift cards to trick victims into making fraudulent payments, often by posing as government agencies or businesses. Always remember—gift cards are for gifts, not payments. Gift card are for gifts not for payments. Scammers are the only ones who will advise you to purchase a gift card and provide them with the card’s back numbers.  You will never be told to purchase a gift card to pay a reputable government agency or business. Government agencies, such as the IRS, Treasury Department, FBI, or local police departments, will not accept any form of gift card as payment and will not ask you for gift card information, especially over the phone. You should never be asked to pay your utility bills, bail money, debt collection, or hospital bills with gift cards. If you are, it’s a scam. Gift cards should never be used to settle debt collection, utility bills, bail money, or medical bills. It is a scam if someone makes such a demand. How Gift Card Scams Work Scammers try to convince victims to purchase Gift cards and reveal the numbers by contacting them by phone, text, email, or social media. These are the typical strategies employed: Scammers will say it’s urgent They will warn that if you don’t pay them immediately, dire consequences will ensue. Resist the pressure to act immediately. Slow down and talk with someone you trust. Don’t pay. It’s a scam. Specifying Which Gift Card to Buy They might instruct victims to purchase a particular brand of Gift Card and sometimes even specify where to buy it. To avoid detection, scammers may direct victims to multiple stores. Some fraudsters remain on the phone with victims while they purchase the cards. If this happens, hang up immediately. Asking for Gift Card Numbers and PINs The scammer requests the numbers and PIN codes on the back of the Gift Card to access the money. Never share these details with anyone. Common Gift Card Scams Gift Card scams are usually part of larger fraudulent schemes. Scammers use different stories to manipulate victims into buying gift cards. These are a few of the most prevalent kinds: Government Impersonation Scams Fraudsters claim overdue taxes or fines by impersonating representatives of organizations such as the IRS, FBI, or local police. Gift cards are never required as payment by government entities. Tech Support Scams Scammers believe there is a problem with your computer and pose as representatives of an IT company. They may ask for remote access or demand payment via gift card for a fake repair. Legitimate tech support services never contact customers this way. Emergency Scams Someone pretending to be a friend or relative says they are in desperate need of assistance because of money problems. To sound like a loved one, some people employ voice cloning. Before answering a request, be sure everything is in order. Fake Prize Scams Scammers say you won something, but you have to use a gift card to pay taxes or other costs. Reputable awards never demand payment in advance. Utility Company Scams Fraudsters pose as representatives of water or electricity providers and threaten to cut off service unless a gift card is paid right away. This is not how utility companies work. Romance Scams Scammers build relationships on the internet before requesting gift cards as payment. Never give someone you haven’t met in person money or presents. Fake Check Scams Victims receive a check for an excessive amount and are asked to return the difference using a gift card. The check later bounces, leaving the victim out of money. How to Respond If You Gave a Scammer a Gift Card If you realize you have been scammed, act quickly: Notify the gift card company of the scam right away. Even if the scam happened some time ago, report it. Your chances of getting your money back are better the sooner you take action. Request a refund Some companies have measures in place to help scam victims recover lost funds. Always ask. Report fraud to the FTC Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov to file a complaint. Your report helps authorities track down scammers. Contacting Gift Card Companies If you have the gift card and purchase receipt, contact the company that issued it. Below are the customer service numbers for major gift card providers: Amazon: 1-888-280-4331 American Express: 1-877-297-4438 Apple/iTunes: 1-800-275-2273 Best Buy: 1-888-237-8289 eBay: Customer Support Chat Google Play: Report fraud to Google MoneyPak: Fraud claim submission on their website ReloadIt: 1-888-633-9434 Sephora: 1-877-737-4672 Steam: Report fraud via Steam Support Target: 1-800-544-2943 Vanilla: 1-833-322-6760 Visa: 1-800-847-2911 Walmart: 1-888-537-5503 Look for your card issuer’s customer service details online or on the back of the card if they are not on the list.  How to Buy and Use Gift Cards Securely Use these precautions to avoid fraud: Purchase from reliable merchants Don’t buy from online auction sites because the cards can be stolen or counterfeit. Inspect the card before purchase Make sure the PIN is hidden and the protection stickers are still in place. Select an alternative card and notify the store employees if anything appears to be incorrect. Keep records of your purchase Save the gift card and store receipt. Take a photo of both as proof of purchase. These details will help if you need to report fraud or recover funds. Final Reminder: Stay Alert! Gift cards are for gifts, not payments. Never follow instructions to purchase a gift card. It’s a fraud if someone asks you to pay using a Gift Card. Gift card fraud can be prevented for both you and other people by remaining vigilant and knowledgeable.