Cyber News Archives - Page 2 of 13

Google Flags 500M Scam Messages Monthly as Cybercrime Surges in India

Tech giant launches AI-powered Safety Charter to combat rising cybercrime, warns of deep fake scams and ₹20,000 crore projected losses As cybercrime accelerates across India, Google has announced a major AI-driven initiative under its new “Safety Charter” to fight online fraud. The tech giant revealed this week that it now detects over 500 million scam messages monthly and is working closely with Indian authorities to boost public cybersecurity awareness and enforcement. With India’s digital economy growing rapidly, cybercriminals are using refined methods such as deep fakes, voice cloning, and fake banking apps to trick users. According to Google, scams involving Unified Payments Interface (UPI) alone caused ₹1,087 crore in losses in 2024, and total cybercrime-related damages could hit ₹20,000 crore in 2025. The company is using AI across Google Messages, Search, and Ads to detect and block threats. It claims to have removed 247 million scam ads, suspended 2.9 million accounts, and prevented access to thousands of fake support and government websites, down 80% and 70% respectively. Google’s new scam detection tool in Google Messages has flagged over 500 million suspicious messages per month, triggering 2.5 billion user warnings. The company is also partnering with India’s DigiKavach programme and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to launch public awareness campaigns. “AI is now a critical frontline defence,” Google wrote in its blog post. “Our systems are identifying and stopping threats much earlier — often before they reach the user.” Advice: The magnitude of cybercrime threats and the expanding significance of AI in defence are demonstrated by Google’s most recent action. Users must remain alert as scammers change. Security Tips: Make sure all accounts have two-factor authentication enabled. Never download dubious programs or click on unidentified links. Report scams to cybercrime.gov.in. Verify banking apps from official app stores only. Stay updated with alerts from CERT-In and Google’s Safety Centre.

India and Cyprus to step up defence, maritime and cybersecurity cooperation, Indian PM says

India and Cyprus to boost defence industry ties, launch maritime training and cybersecurity talks, and enhance counterterrorism information sharing, marking a new phase in bilateral cooperation. Cyprus, Nicosia — On June 16, 2025, the prime minister of India said that the two nations will strengthen their defence connections by working together in their respective defence industries. Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not provide specifics, he announced that negotiations to strengthen bilateral cybersecurity and maritime cooperation will start. Following discussions with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, he declared that the two nations would also establish a system of information sharing aimed at countering the threat of terrorism. Before his departure to Canada for the G7 conference, Modi is making his first two-day visit to Cyprus as the prime leader of India in over twenty years. In a joint statement, the two nations also promised to increase maritime cooperation by looking at improving collaborative marine training and search and rescue operations, as well as by having the Indian Navy visit Cypriot ports more frequently. In order to bring about peace and prosperity in the Middle East, Modi emphasised the importance of the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Given its geographic location as the closest European Union nation to both India and the Middle East, Cyprus is expected to serve as the pivotal link in the commerce, energy, and digital connectivity corridor connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe. According to Christodoulides, Cyprus serves as a platform for Indian companies and is India’s “gateway into Europe.” He promised to support the implementation of programs like IMEC, which will link India with the Gulf, the Mediterranean, and the European continent through targeted infrastructure projects. When Cyprus takes up the rotating presidency of the 27-member union in the first half of 2026, the Cypriot president stated that improved free trade agreements and India-EU relations would be among his nation’s top priorities. The visit was heralded by the Indian prime minister as a sign of a new era in India-Cyprus relations, one based on strong historical links and shared ideals that “have been tested time and again.” The Non-Aligned Movement, a group of countries that chose not to support the Communist bloc or the West during the Cold War, including former British colonies like India and Cyprus.

Cybersecurity upgrade for cooperative banks planned

The Yogi government will upgrade cybersecurity in 50 cooperative banks across Uttar Pradesh with support from TCS, Wipro, and NABARD. A ₹10 crore budget will back cloud integration, cyber safety training, and public awareness to boost banking security and trust. Lucknow: The Yogi government plans to outfit 50 district cooperative banks and Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Bank Limited with cutting-edge cybersecurity equipment as a significant step toward modernising and safeguarding the state’s cooperative banking network. These banks will be onboarded onto a cloud platform based on the core banking system (CBS) as part of this project, guaranteeing the total security and transparency of all consumer transactions. Prominent IT companies like TCS and Wipro will assist in putting this ambitious project into action. By providing cutting-edge solutions for data security, server administration, and cyberattack prevention, these businesses will contribute to the strengthening of the cooperative banking system. Additionally, NABARD will support the initiative by offering financial assistance, technical help, training, and monitoring. The goal is to increase the security, resilience, and consumer trust of all cooperative banks. The Yogi government is starting a public awareness campaign about cyber safety in addition to putting in place a strong technological defence. Customers of banks will receive education on how to guard against cyber fraud, where to report incidents, and safe practices. Digital media, gram panchayats, and bank offices will all be used for awareness campaigns. For the fiscal year 2025–2026, the state government has allocated Rs. 10 crore in special budgetary funds to guarantee the successful execution of this plan. Establishing technical infrastructure, improving server security, holding training sessions, increasing cyber awareness, and integrating services with the cloud platform are all planned uses for this grant. This project will strengthen district cooperative banks’ financial stability in addition to enhancing cybersecurity. It is anticipated that increased public trust in the cooperative banking industry will result from improved technology infrastructure and more transparent services, which will raise deposits and credit disbursements.

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah most recent episode: Gokuldham society’s drama meets knowledge of cybercrime

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah's most recent episode: Gokuldham society's drama meets knowledge of cybercrime

In the latest episode of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Mehta Sahab decides to sell his house to repay the Gokuldham residents after a cyber scam gone wrong. Created with I4C, the episode highlights emotional accountability and cybercrime awareness. Tonight’s episode of Asit Kumar Modi’s well-known sitcom, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma, which was produced in collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, promises a great deal of drama and emotional depth as the residents of Gokuldham Society deal with a moral dilemma. As the repercussions of his poor decision-making continue to weigh heavily on him, Mehta Sahab is seen grappling with a tremendous sense of guilt for leading his fellow neighbours into a disastrous financial decision. In an attempt to restore his reputation and earn back the faith of those who lost their hard-earned money, he makes the life-altering decision to sell his own home to pay them back. Mehta Sahab, unable to handle the embarrassment and emotional strain, resolves to make sure that not a single penny is left unpaid, “even if it means sacrificing his comfort and stability.” Although he acts with integrity, the residents have conflicting feelings about it. While some praise his audacious action and his sense of responsibility, others are concerned that taking such a drastic measure could backfire. Viewers are left wondering after watching the episode: Was this a decision influenced by emotion, or is this the correct course for redemption? Watch SAB TV tonight at 8:30 PM as the emotional storm plays out. Previously on the Show Gokuldham was depicted in the most recent episode as being extremely tense. Anger and anguish swept through the town, shattering its togetherness. Mehta Sahab, who had promised a “paison ki baarish” that developed into a financial nightmare, was despised by the locals, from Iyer to Sunita the sabziwali. Their finances were gone, their aspirations were dashed, and the pain of betrayal was unbearable. Mehta Sahab, already distraught at losing his job, was emotionally cornered and made a heart-breaking vow to make things right: “Promising to repay every single rupee they have lost.” But is it a losing struggle for him?

North Face and Cartier customer data stolen in cyber attacks

The North Face and Cartier have suffered cyberattacks exposing customer data like names, email addresses, and account details, though no financial information was compromised. Both companies have contained the breaches and advised users to stay alert for suspicious activity. Although financial information has not been impacted, both fashion brands have disclosed that customer names and email addresses have been accessed. Brand of outdoor apparel. Following the discovery of “unusual activity,” The North Face experienced a “small-scale” attack on its website in April 2025. Because of the nature of the data, we advise clients to stay vigilant for any unsolicited or questionable correspondence. Cartier The US company claimed to have been the target of a “credential stuffing attack,” in which credentials for account authentication were taken from another source, such as hacks of other websites. It stated that it thinks email addresses and password information have been compromised by cybercriminals. The North Face claimed that after gaining access to select consumers’ accounts, the hackers were able to divulge details such as phone numbers, dates of birth, preferences, shipping addresses, and items bought on the company’s website. It emphasised that the assault did not compromise credit card details. In another email, the jewellery company Cartier informed clients that “an unauthorised party temporarily gained access to our system and obtained limited information.” The business, which is owned by the upscale corporation Richemont, claimed to have “contained” the problem and notified the appropriate authorities. According to its first assessment, the breach might have impacted client data, such as names, email addresses, and the nation in which they reside. “Considering the nature of the data, we advise you to stay vigilant for any unsolicited messages or other questionable correspondence,” the business stated. The businesses are the most recent retailers to be impacted by a wave of cyberattacks that have been plaguing the industry in recent months. Since April, Marks & Spencer has suspended all online orders due to a cyber issue that, according to executives, is expected to cost the company over £300 million. Over the previous two months, hacks have also targeted rival UK stores Harrods and The Co-op.

Quick Commerce Platform KiranaPro App Code Destroyed In Cyber Attack

Quick Commerce Platform KiranaPro’s App Code Destroyed In Cyber Attack

KiranaPro suffered a major cyberattack that wiped out its app code and user data after hackers accessed root accounts via a former employee’s credentials. The company has halted order processing and is pursuing legal action while investigating the breach. KiranaPro, a platform for quick commerce, has purportedly been hacked, affecting all of its data and private user information. Deepak Ravindran, the CEO and cofounder of KiranaPro, told TechCrunch that the “destroyed data” on the company’s servers contained user information such as names, mailing addresses, and payment details in addition to the app code. The KiranaPro app is available online, however, orders are not being processed by the platform. The problem was discovered on May 26 after KiranaPro executives allegedly discovered that hackers had obtained access to the company’s root accounts on GitHub and AWS while logging into their Amazon Web Services account. According to the report, the platform was targeted after an individual used a former employee’s account to access the startup’s servers. According to reports, Saurav Kumar, the chief technology officer (CTO) of KiranaPro, stated that the attack most likely took place between May 24 and May 25. According to Kumar, when executives tried to log in last week, the login code had changed even though the company had Google Authenticator set up for multi-factor authentication on its AWS account. When KiranaPro staff logged in, they discovered that all of their Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) services, which provided clients with virtual computers on which to execute their apps, had been erased. Since we lack the root account, Kumar allegedly continued, “We can only log in through the IAM [identity and access management] account, which shows that the EC2 instances don’t exist anymore, but we are unable to get any logs or anything.” Meanwhile, the company is said to have reached out to GitHub’s support team to help identify the hacker’s IP addresses. Additionally, according to reports, Ravindran stated that the business is currently pursuing legal action against its former workers who “failed to submit their credentials for accessing their GitHub accounts to check their logs.” The specifics of how the cyberattack occurred are still unclear. KiranaPro, a rapid commerce business founded in 2024 by Ravindra and Deepankar Sarkar, delivers groceries in 10–20 minutes by collaborating with neighbourhood merchants and kirana outlets. With the aid of its voice-based AI model, it links consumers with nearby kirana shops through the ONDC network. Supported by firms such as Unpopular Ventures, Blume Ventures, Snow Leopard Ventures, and TurboStart, the start-up has collected over $188K in capital thus far.

DCP Gaurav Rajpurohit Inaugurates Gurugram Cyber Security Internship Program

The 12th Guru Gram Police Cyber Security Summer Internship (GPCSSI 2025) was inaugurated with over 12,000 applicants and 1,100 interns selected nationwide. Interns will undergo intensive cybersecurity training and act as Cyber Ambassadors and Cyber Warriors to promote cyber hygiene. Gaurav Rajpurohit, DCP East, officially opened the 12th Guru Gram Police Cyber Security Summer Internship (GPCSSI 2025) today at DAV Public School in Sector 49. More than 12,000 applications have been submitted for the internship this year. DCP Rajpurohit gave a perceptive speech after the inauguration about the increasing shift from physical to digital threats and the significance of youth cyber knowledge. He emphasised how important it will be for interns to promote cyber hygiene in their communities as Cyber Ambassadors and Cyber Warriors. Over 12,000 applications have been submitted for the internship this year, which is a huge response. 550 Cyber Warriors (including undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, and working professionals) and 550 Cyber Ambassadors (children from Grades 9–12) were chosen from among these 1,100 interns, ensuring a true pan-India participation. Dr. Rakshit Tandon, ACP Cybercrime, Pranshu Dewan, and DCP East, Gaurav Rajpurohit, customarily lit the lamp to start the ritual. Using video testimonies from former interns who are now thriving in the cybersecurity industry, Dr. Tandon narrated the internship’s inspirational path over the last 12 years. Students from DAV Public School raised awareness of digital hazards and the value of online safety with a potent nukkad natak (street play) on the subject of cybercrime. In his vote of thanks, Charu Maini thanked the students, mentors, and police for their commitment to this admirable cause. According to a Guru Gram police spokeswoman, interns will receive in-depth, practical training in cybersecurity, cyber hygiene, investigations, and tool development over the course of the following month. The program will culminate with a grand closing ceremony on July 2, 2025, and feature guest lectures from national cyber specialists.

West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan are being watched as new hotspots for cybercrime

West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan are emerging as new cybercrime hotspots, prompting the Centre to direct immediate crackdowns and faster investigations. The MHA is enhancing inter-state coordination through Joint Cyber Coordination Teams and workshops to tackle the growing threat. The Centre has instructed states to take immediate action by stepping up crackdowns, accelerating investigations, and clearing backlogs in order to stop the problem from getting worse. This is because districts in Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Maharashtra are quickly becoming new hotspots for cybercrime. Sources claim that to combat the growing menace of cybercrime, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan met at a high level last month with senior officials from hotspot districts and ranges, along with other top officers. Directors General of Police (DGPs), commissioners from every state and Union Territory (UT), their designated state cybercrime chiefs, and officials from areas designated as hotspots for cybercrime attended the meeting. Jharkhand has long been a hotspot for cybercrime, but new hotspots have surfaced in the Bharatpur Range (Rajasthan), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Kolkata (West Bengal), and Dumka (Jharkhand), according to sources. According to sources, district SSPs who were present at the conference were instructed to reduce cybercrime. “To combat cybercrimes quickly, the government has requested that states seek technological assistance from the Centre. A meeting will be scheduled to prioritise the investigation because of new hotspots that have raised worries among cybersecurity organisations, according to a senior official. Under the Indian Cyber Crime Collaboration Centre (I4C), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has formed seven Joint Cyber Coordination Teams (JCCTs) to improve enforcement and collaboration. These teams work in places that have been identified as having significant levels of cybercrime activity and complicated, multi-jurisdictional issues, such as Mewat, Jamtara, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Visakhapatnam, and Guwahati. To improve coordination between law enforcement agencies across states and UTs, the MHA reported that seven JCCT workshops were held in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, Lucknow, Ranchi, and Chandigarh.

Telangana sees 11 per cent dip in cybercrime cases during January to April period of 2025

Telangana saw an 11% drop in cybercrime cases and a 19% reduction in financial losses between January and April 2025, attributed to data-driven enforcement and increased public awareness. Arrests tripled, recovery rates improved, and swift action aided by advanced analytics and inter-agency coordination boosted case closures. Hyderabad: Telangana reported an 11% drop in cybercrime incidents during the first four months of this year, compared to a 28% spike during the same period last year. Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) Director Shikha Goel credited the decrease to swift action, data-driven enforcement, and increased awareness. Shikha Goel stated, “The bureau attributes this progress to a combination of proactive investigations, public awareness campaigns, and strategic operations driven by data analytics and inter-agency collaboration.” Between January and April 2025, Telangana’s overall losses from cybercrimes decreased by 19% compared to 2024. In comparison to the preceding quarter (September to December 2024), this represents a decrease of more than 30%. During the same year, financial losses attributable to cybercrime increased by 12% nationwide. According to the official, Telangana increased its percentage of recovery (POH) of lost funds from 13% in 2024 to 16% in 2025, indicating better complaint handling and collaboration with banks and platforms. While the number of arrests tripled, from 230 in early 2024 to 626 in 2025, the number of FIRs climbed from 6,763 in 2024 to 7,575 in 2025, raising the conversion rate from 18 to 19 per cent. Shikha Goel stated, “The TGCSB’s efforts to adopt data-backed tracking, improve coordination with district police, and streamline processes greatly contributed to higher case closures and quicker action against cyber criminals.” In addition to real-time cooperation with banks and service providers, which enhanced fraud identification and transaction blocking, the official claimed that the state-wide awareness campaigns, the introduction of the 1930 chatbot, and the upgraded IVR system all contributed to a reduction in reporting time. “To assist enforcement teams in effectively identifying and apprehending cybercriminals, advanced analytics, digital profiling, and OSINT tools are being implemented,” the TGSCB Director continued.

Cyber-attacks on India continue even after the understanding with Pakistan: Cyber officials

Cyber-attacks on Indian government sites persist despite de-escalation with Pakistan, with threats emerging from Bangladesh, the Middle East, and beyond. Maharashtra Cyber has intensified efforts against cyber fraud, misinformation, and cyber slavery, saving ₹600 crore since 2019. Maharashtra On May 26, cyber officials said that even after India and Pakistan, hackers from Bangladesh, the Middle East, and the surrounding nations are still attacking Indian government websites, agreed to halt military hostilities. According to officials, just 150 out of the 1.5 crore cyberattacks that were launched after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam were successful. A top officer from the Maharashtra Cyber Department denied claims to reporters that hackers had stolen information from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, targeted the Election Commission website, and hacked aviation and municipal systems. Investigating cybercrime and upholding security are the responsibilities of Maharashtra Cyber, a central organisation under the Maharashtra government. “The analysis discovered that when India-Pakistan hostilities ceased, cyberattacks on Indian government websites decreased, though they did not entirely stop. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Morocco, and other Middle Eastern nations are still launching these attacks,” the person stated. According to him, 38 out of 83 fake news items have been removed by Maharashtra Cyber, which has started a focused effort against false information on social media. Under the “Nation First Fact First” campaign, the cyber department will combat false information about the Indian government and military, the official continued. Specialised helplines were established to educate the public about online fraud. To get emergency assistance, citizens can ring 1930 or 1945. The official stated that approximately 100 phone lines are operational at the same time and that analysts contact the caller after receiving the distress call. He stated that both the 1930 and 1945 numbers receive 7,000 calls per day. Since 2019, cyber officials have prevented cyber fraud by taking prompt action against cybercriminals, saving Rs 600 crore. “In the last six months, Rs 200 crore has been saved”. According to authorities, a 39-year-old CA student was detained in Indore for reportedly using seven profiles on X to disparage Hindu deities. Since 2021, the accused has reportedly insulted Hindu deities. BJP MP Medha Kulkarni brought this matter to the attention of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. According to the official, Maharashtra Cyber has rescued six young people from Maharashtra who were ensnared in cyberslavery in Laos. If the confined teenagers refused to commit cybercrimes, they were tormented by being shocked with electricity and having their nails pulled out. According to him, Maharashtra Cyber has learned that 29 Indians are ensnared in cyberslavery in the Southeast Asian nation.

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