Cyber News Update Archives - The Cyber Shark

Facebook and Instagram owner Meta to enable AI ad creation by the end of next year

Meta plans to roll out full AI-powered ad creation tools by the end of 2025, allowing businesses to generate complete ads using just product images and budgets. The move could disrupt traditional ad agencies while empowering small businesses with limited resources. In a move that shocked the conventional marketing sector, the owner of Facebook and Instagram has agreed to assist advertisers in completely developing and targeting campaigns with artificial intelligence capabilities by the end of next year. The advertising and media companies that manage client campaigns and budgets face competition from Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, which also owns WhatsApp, which seeks to directly target clients’ marketing spending. Brands using Meta’s advertising platform will be able to make ads using a product image and a budgeted marketing spend, thanks to the AI techniques that are currently being developed, as first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Some AI technologies are currently available on Meta’s platform, enabling advertisers to modify current ads before they show up on Facebook and Instagram. The new technologies, however, have the potential to disintermediate the conventional functions of agencies in creating, planning, and purchasing advertising. They may also make it possible for a large number of advertisers with modest budgets who are unable to pay marketing services firms. Following a client’s budget, the AI tools would produce the full advertisement, including the text, images, and video, and target users with it. An advertisement for a vacation firm, for instance, might be customised to provide bargains that are directly connected to users’ likely destinations of interest by using targeting techniques like geolocation. As word broke on Monday about Meta’s planned AI rollout, which may greatly increase the $160 billion (£118 billion) the firm already makes from advertising each year, investors swiftly sold up some of the biggest marketing services in the world. WPP’s stock fell 3% in early trading, while Publicis Groupe and Havas, both French companies, had declines of 3.9% and 3%, respectively. The creation of new tools has been described as “a redefinition of the category of advertising” by Zuckerberg, who is primarily focused on advancing AI-powered advertising. With plans to invest between $64 billion and $72 billion in capital expenditures, including the cost of establishing AI infrastructure, Meta revised its spending projection for the upcoming year in April 2025. Initially, the business stated that it anticipated spending up to $65 billion in 2025. According to Meta, increasing its AI capabilities for companies is not an attempt to displace established agencies. In a recent LinkedIn post, Alex Schultz, Meta’s chief marketing officer and vice-president of analytics, stated, “We believe in the future of agencies.” We think AI will free up valuable time and resources for advertising and agencies to concentrate on what matters—creativity. Although we believe that marketing will eventually become more automated, agencies will continue to play a crucial role because of their capacity to plan, carry out, and evaluate across channels. Schultz did, however, add that AI tools would help “level the playing field” for small and medium-sized enterprises that lack the resources or time to hire agencies. “Our platform is essential to the growth of millions of small businesses,” he stated. “AI can help level the playing field for these businesses that can’t work with an agency or don’t have time in their hectic days to think about their creative or targeting.”

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?

Adidas Confirms Data Breach Exposing Customer Contact Information

Adidas Data Breach claims that a hack using a third-party service resulted in the theft of customer contact information. Payment information and passwords were not stolen. Adidas has revealed that its customers’ personal information was taken in a cyberattack. According to the sportswear giant, “certain consumer data” that “mainly consists” of the contact details of those who have interacted with its support desk was stolen by crooks. Adidas asserts that passwords and credit card credentials were not compromised in any way. “We remain fully committed to protecting the privacy and security of our consumers, and sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern caused by this incident,” it wrote on its blog. It makes sense that Adidas customers would be concerned that hackers may try to use their data, thus it’s critical that Adidas offers precise and timely updates to affected shoppers and supports them in taking steps to protect themselves,” said Lisa Barber, of the consumer advocacy organisation Which? She suggested that those who may be impacted closely monitor their credit reports and bank accounts for any unusual activity. They should also be cautious of unexpected calls, emails, or social media posts claiming to be related to the hack, she said, as these could be scammers attempting to profit from the cyberattack. It comes as significant hacks have attacked retailers like Co-op and Marks & Spencer. There is no evidence that Adidas has experienced a comparable circumstance to theirs, in which the intrusions caused significant disruptions to business operations. “Adidas recently became aware that an unauthorised external party obtained certain consumer data through a third-party customer service provider,” stated the business. “We collaborated with leading information security experts as quickly as we could to contain the problem and start a comprehensive investigation. “Adidas is in the process of informing potentially affected consumers as well as appropriate data protection and law enforcement authorities consistent with applicable law.” Since April 2025, a number of cyber events have been reported, and some specialists have discovered connections between them. Police in the UK are investigating the possibility that the M&S cyberattack was caused by Scattered Spider, a well-known group of English-speaking hackers. Hacks on the Co-op and Harrods are thought to have been carried out by the same group, but M&S was most severely affected. According to M&S, the company will lose around a third of its profit as a result of the cyberattack. There is no indication that this group is responsible for the Adidas data hack. However, the company disclosed earlier this month that data breaches had occurred in other areas of its global empire, including its South Korean and Turkish arms.

“Informing Customers” claims that Dior’s client data was stolen in a cyberattack

Dior confirmed a cyberattack compromised client data, excluding financial details, and is notifying affected customers. This follows a wave of cyberattacks targeting major European retailers, including Marks and Spencer and Harrods. Dior stated that no financial data, including bank card details, was on the database accessed, but it did not specify the number of clients implicated. On May 14, 2025, the French luxury brand Dior declare that client data had been taken by cyber criminals, but they assured that no financial information was compromised. A number of well-known European retailers have been the victim of cyberattacks, with the major LVMH subsidiary being the most recent. Following the announcement by the Le Monde newspaper that Asian clientele had informed them of the alleged January information breach, Dior issued a statement. “The House of Dior has learned that some of our client data was accessed by an unauthorised third party. “We took immediate action to contain this incident,” the statement read. Dior stated that no financial data, including bank card details, was on the database accessed, but it did not specify the number of clients implicated. “Dior teams are still looking into and responding to this situation with the help of top cybersecurity specialists. All pertinent regulatory bodies are being notified,” it continued. “We are in the process of informing customers affected by this incident.” Le Monde claims that client names, email addresses, postal addresses, and phone numbers were among the stolen data. According to HSBC bank, Dior, one of LVMH’s two main brands along with Louis Vuitton, generated 8.7 billion euros ($9.7 billion) in revenue in 2024. Cyber gangs have been increasingly targeting new high-end brands and retailers in recent months. British company Marks and Spencer announced on May 13, 2025, that weeks of interruptions to its online services had resulted from a cyberattack that had exposed some of its customers’ personal information. The high-end department store Harrods and the Co-op food chain have also been affected in recent weeks.

Pink Booths Upgraded with Cybercrime Tools to Aid Women and the Elderly in Lucknow

Lucknow Police trained 99 Pink Booth Officers to tackle cybercrimes against women and the elderly. The workshop focused on digital complaint handling, fraud prevention, and securing online safety. In an attempt to enhance women’s digital and physical safety, the Lucknow Police Commissioner held a three-day intensive training program for Pink Booth Officers (PBOS). This gave them the tools they needed to better address the growing cyber threats against women. The goal of the event, which took place at Police Lines Seminar Hall from May 9 to May 11, was to improve officers’ technical proficiency in handling digital crimes to modernise the operation of Pink Booths, which are helpdesks specifically designed for women. Up to 99 female police officers were given practical instruction on how to use the Sanchar Saathi Portal and the Cyber Fraud Online Portal. Under the direction of cybercrime specialist Gautam Mishra, the seminar featured live demonstrations of data security procedures, protecting digital evidence, and complaint registration. According to Saumya Pandey, assistant commissioner of police for crime against women, women and the elderly may easily report and register stolen or missing property. Updates on the progress of filed FIRS are also available to them. “Assist with character verification and tenant background checks. According to Pandey, victims of online fraud can immediately file complaints at any Pink Booth in order to take immediate action and freeze stolen funds. Pandey said the Pink Booths will now help older people and women who have trouble filing cybercrime complaints. They will also learn how to lock their cards and accounts in the event of cyber fraud. The initiative is part of the larger “Women’s Safety, Prosperity Guaranteed” campaign, which seeks to provide safer online and offline environments for women in Lucknow. Pink Booths are being reorganised as part of this program to serve as all-inclusive service locations for women’s support and safety requirements.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to Lead High-Level Meet on Banks’ Cyber Readiness

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will review the cyber preparedness of banks and financial institutions amid rising cyberattack threats linked to India-Pakistan tensions. Key financial bodies and cybersecurity agencies will assess protection measures for critical infrastructure. On the evening of May 9, 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will preside over a review meeting to evaluate the cybersecurity readiness of India’s banks and financial institutions. This occurs at a time when worries about the possibility of cyberattacks are growing, particularly in light of the escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the National Stock Exchange (NSE), public and private banks, and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) will all be represented at the meeting. In order to guarantee that vital infrastructure, including financial services, is safe from cyberattacks, Cert-In has been actively collaborating with many industries. WHAT MAKES THIS MEETING ESSENTIAL? The review meeting is taking place in the midst of increased concerns that cyberattacks could target India’s critical systems, such as the banking and financial industries. There is always a chance that cyber operations could be utilised as a means of disruption or retaliation when nations are involved in hostilities. In response, India has been stepping up its cybersecurity efforts, and the meeting with the finance minister shows how much the government values maintaining the security of the financial system. Cyberattacks can take many different forms, from system interruptions to data breaches. Even a small interruption can have a big impact on financial organisations’ finances and reputation, influencing anything from transactions to client confidence. To make sure that the nation’s financial systems are robust against potential cyberattacks, the Ministry of Finance and other important organisations are treating this threat seriously. Increasing hostilities between Pakistan and India The review meeting’s timing is related to the escalating hostilities between Pakistan and India. According to reports, the Pakistan Armed Forces broke ceasefire accords in Jammu and Kashmir and carried out drone operations along India’s western border on May 8, 2025. The likelihood of additional military measures increased as a result of these escalations, which came after India launched targeted attacks on nine places in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Pok). Despite being military, these innovations have broader security ramifications, such as the possibility of cyberwarfare. India is carefully preparing for potential threats to its vital infrastructure, especially the financial sector, as cyberattacks can be an indirect form of revenge in such confrontations.

Banks bolster cyber defence amid India-Pakistan missile tensions

Cyber Defence: Following India’s missile strikes on terror sites in Pakistan, banks have ramped up cybersecurity and physical security, especially near border areas. Measures include 24/7 cyber war rooms, anti-cyberattack protocols, and stocked ATMS to ensure service continuity. As India launched missile attacks on Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, banks strengthened their cybersecurity defences against potential cyberattacks. Because of the increased risk of a counterattack, banks have also strengthened security at their branches close to the border. Ashok Chandra, MD and CEO of Punjab National Bank, stated, “We have strengthened the cyber security mechanism… we have created a 24-hour war room to diffuse any cyber attack… we are prepared for any eventuality.” He added that the bank has made plans for the safety and security of its employees and has strengthened security at its branches in border areas. A senior executive from a different public sector bank claims that the bank has implemented an anti-cyberattack procedure to fend off any potential cyberattack. According to the official, ATMS in the border regions have been restocked with cash to ensure that users don’t experience any financial difficulties. The Indian military launched missile strikes on nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir early on May 7, 2025, in revenge for the Pahalgam terror attack. These targets included the base of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke and the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold in Bahawalpur. The ‘Operation Sindoor‘ military attacks came two weeks after the terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Leading stock exchanges BSE and NSE have blocked their websites to users from other countries as a precaution. A representative for the BSE explained the reasoning for the move by stating that “BSE, being a critical market infrastructure institution (MII), proactively and continuously monitors risks at domestic and international levels for potential cyber threats.”

Facebook clean-up: Why Meta removed over 23,000 accounts in Brazil and India

Facebook clean-up: Meta removed over 23,000 Facebook accounts in Brazil and India linked to scams using deepfakes of public figures to promote fake investments and gambling apps. The company is enhancing security features and collaborating with Indian authorities to combat online fraud and protect users. On 07-05-2025, Meta announced that it had deleted over 23,000 Facebook Pages and accounts that were part of extensive scam operations that mostly targeted people in Brazil and India. The March takedown was a component of Meta’s larger initiatives to fight online fraud and increase public awareness of digital fraud. Meta claims that the fraudulent networks used deep fake technology to pose as well-known individuals, such as corporate leaders, cricket players, and producers of financial information. These edited movies purportedly featured public individuals promoting gambling apps and fraudulent investment schemes. Under the pretence of getting investment advice, consumers were taken to messaging platforms after interacting with the content. In several cases, consumers were tricked into downloading harmful gambling apps from a fake website that looked like the Google Play Store. Meta outlines several common scams. Meta described some increasingly common scam types as part of its effort to improve user protection. While payment scams usually take advantage of internet anonymity and urgency, investment scams frequently offer large returns on assets like shares, real estate, or cryptocurrency. Scammers who pose as vendors on websites like Facebook Marketplace and demand cash before vanishing without delivering the promised products are known to engage in advance payment fraud. Other tactics include Over Payment Frauds, in which con artists request a refund after claiming to have overpaid for an item, only to later reverse their initial (often fraudulent) transaction. As a result, Meta has implemented some security features on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, including scam alerts in Messenger and instructional materials to assist users in identifying fraudulent activities. To improve online safety, the internet giant said it is collaborating closely with Indian government agencies and civil society groups. Initiatives mentioned include cooperation with the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre, the Department of Telecommunications, and the Department of Consumer Affairs. Reiterating its dedication to digital security, Meta urged customers to stay alert and make use of the resources available to report and steer clear of frauds.

Cyber fraud awareness is raised by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB)

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) conducted 325 awareness sessions across the state to educate citizens on rising cyber fraud trends. Warnings were issued about fake shopping sites, online task scams, and illegal betting apps, urging victims to report cases via WhatsApp at 8712672222. Hyderabad: The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) organized a massive State-Wide awareness campaign with 325 sessions held across colleges, medical facilities, private offices, public gathering places, and bus stands to inform citizens about new trends in cybercrime and provide them with preventive measures. A component of Cyber Jagrukta Diwas was this. People were alerted to the existence of fake Instagram sites that use stolen photos to look authentic while showcasing sarees and other apparel. These websites take UPI and e-wallet payments and provide substantial discounts to entice customers. However, either poor quality things are sent, or no products are sent at all. The majority of these pages don’t display any validated company credentials or provide refund choices. Scammers also use offers of easy online chores, like liking videos, to target people. To earn the victim’s trust, they first offer little rewards. Later, they use promises of greater returns to persuade the victims to make larger investments. The scammers vanish after the money is sent, leaving the victims with losses. Fake websites posing as legitimate booking portals for FASTags or license plates were the subject of another alert. These websites gather private and auto data, impose deceptive fees, and never provide the services that are advertised. They also provide fictitious documents in certain cases to give the swindle the appearance of legitimacy. Additionally noted were online betting apps, which are prohibited in Telangana by the Telangana Gaming Act of 2017. These apps encourage money addiction and are frequently run from overseas. Influencers and websites that support or advertise these unlawful betting services are being severely targeted by authorities. Reporting via WhatsApp at 8712672222 is recommended for citizens who are the victims of such scams or who have information.

YouTube pilots two-person Premium plan to boost its subscription push

YouTube is piloting a two-person Premium plan in India and select regions to offer users a more affordable subscription option. Priced at ₹219/month in India, the plan targets couples or cohabitants and supports YouTube’s broader push to grow subscription revenue. YouTube is testing a new subscription tier that allows users in Taiwan, Hong Kong, France, and India to share their Premium or Music Premium membership with a household member. This action coincides with the Google-owned video platform’s increasing emphasis on subscriptions as a possible source of revenue as part of its strategy to expand beyond advertising. The YouTube Music Premium subscription tier is accessible for Rs 149 per month during the pilot. In contrast, the two-person YouTube Premium subscription tier is being provided in India for Rs 219 per month. Participants must be in the same Google family group, have a Google account, and be at least 13 years old. The Cyber Shark verifies this development from YouTube. In an announcement, a YouTube representative stated, “We’re experimenting with new ways to provide greater flexibility and value to our YouTube Premium subscribers, including offering a two-person Premium plan option, allowing two people to share a subscription at a reduced cost.” In addition to the ability to save videos for offline playing and play them in the background, YouTube Premium offers its customers an ad-free experience. Additionally, it gives them early access to certain of the platform’s experimental features. Similar capabilities are available with Music Premium, but just for music content. Monthly rates for YouTube Premium in India start at Rs 89 for students, Rs 149 for individuals, and Rs 299 for families. Students’ Music Premium plans start at Rs 59, individuals’ plans at Rs 119, and families’ plans at Rs 179. Couples, roommates, or any two people living together who want to lower subscription expenses while keeping separate accounts will probably find the two-member plan useful. Spotify, a massive music streaming service, also provides its users with a comparable package called Duo. Google has increased the cost of its premium subscription in numerous areas and launched a global campaign against ad blockers as part of its efforts to boost YouTube’s subscription income in recent years. Depending on the tier, price increases in India in August 2024 ranged from 12% to 58%. “A significant portion of YouTube’s revenue comes from subscriptions. During the business’s April 2025 earnings call, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, the parent company of Google, stated, “We are continuing to expand our subscription options. We recently expanded our Premium Lite pilot to the US, giving users a new way to enjoy most videos on YouTube ad-free.” Viewers will be able to watch ad-free videos in a variety of genres, including learning, comedy, gaming, and culinary, with Premium Lite. However, they will see advertisements for shorts, music videos, and music content. Additionally, customers won’t be able to download videos for offline viewing or play them in the background. In addition to the US, the plan is presently offered in Thailand, Germany, and Australia. YouTube reported in March that it has more than 125 million subscribers worldwide across its Music and Premium services. During the April earnings call, Pichai stated that YouTube and Google One were the main factors behind Alphabet’s overall success in surpassing 270 million paid memberships. Google usually only provides the platform’s advertising sales numbers each quarter, not the total amount of money made by YouTube. But in October 2024, Pichai said that for the first time in the previous four quarters, YouTube’s total revenue had topped $50 billion.

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