cyber news Archives - Page 3 of 6

Google Launches AI Safety Charter to Combat Rising Cybercrime Threats in India

With 60 million threats blocked and ₹5 million pledged, Google partners with Indian agencies and IIT-Madras to secure the digital future In India’s rapidly growing digital space, hackers are increasingly targeting users with sophisticated scams, including fake banking apps and phishing attacks. This week, Google revealed new efforts under its AI-led “Safety Charter” to detect and stop such scams in real-time through artificial intelligence. The goal: to protect Indian users and institutions from cyber fraud and data theft. Google is leveraging AI to block scams before they impact users. According to Preeti Lobana, Google India’s Country Manager, the company has already: Prevented 60 million attempts to install malicious applications Flagged 500 million scam messages Marked 12 million fake listings on Google Maps Issued 2.5 billion warnings for suspicious URLs Financial frauds now account for 75% of cybercrimes, with global cybercrime costs estimated to reach $14 trillion by 2028. To tackle this, Google has introduced a three-pronged AI Charter focused on: User safety Enterprise and government cybersecurity Responsible and ethical AI development In addition to deploying advanced AI tools, Google is collaborating with Indian authorities such as the Department of Telecommunications, the Home Ministry, and SEBI for centralised intelligence sharing. Google.org also announced a $5 million expansion of the APAC Cybersecurity Fund via The Asia Foundation, enabling cyber clinics and training in Indian universities, especially for MSMEs and students. Meanwhile, a new partnership with IIT-Madras aims to push forward Post-Quantum Cryptography, securing future digital interactions through anonymous, privacy-first tokens. According to Lobana, “AI systems are always evolving to detect new threats—even those that haven’t been seen before.” Additionally, Heather Adkins, Google Security’s VP of Engineering, said: “AI isn’t just narrowing the gap between attackers and defenders—it’s eliminating it in some cases.” Advice: Google’s AI-driven defence strategies signal a major leap in protecting India’s digital users. But while tech giants act, user vigilance remains essential. Security Tips for Users: Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for every application. Never click on unknown links in emails or communications. Download apps only from official stores Report cybercrimes at cybercrime.gov.in Stay updated with Google’s Safety Centre and CERT-In alerts

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.

Huge discovery: DRDO-IIT Delhi milestone reshapes future warfare and guarantees India’s leadership in quantum technology

India pioneers quantum-secure free-space communication with DRDO-IIT Delhi breakthrough, marking a leap in defence, cybersecurity, and future warfare capabilities. With the successful demonstration of quantum entanglement-based free-space secure communication, carried out in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and IIT Delhi, India has made a significant step toward the quantum era. Secure quantum communication across a distance of more than one kilometre was accomplished in the experiment, which was conducted at the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) on the campus of IIT Delhi. With the use of a free-space optical link, the milestone achieved a safe key rate of around 240 bits per second and a quantum bit error rate of less than 7%. This lays the groundwork for long-distance Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), real-time applications in quantum cybersecurity, and the larger goal of creating quantum networks and a future quantum internet. The Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM), DRDO, has approved the project named “Design and development of photonic technologies for free space QKD.” DRDO’s DG (MED, COS & CS), Director SAG, Director DFTM, and top academics from IIT Delhi were among the senior authorities who attended the demonstration, which was headed by Prof. Bhaskar Kanseri’s research group. Higher security is guaranteed by quantum entanglement-based communication, in contrast to conventional prepare-and-measure QKD systems, even if the hardware is compromised. The entangled quantum state is changed by every attempt at eavesdropping, making it observable. Additionally, it avoids the need to install expensive and disruptive optical fibre networks, which is especially advantageous in urban or remote locations. This accomplishment builds on earlier successes, such as the 2022 establishment of India’s first intercity quantum communication link between Vindhyachal and Prayagraj and the 2024 demonstration of a 100-km fibre-based quantum key distribution system. DRDO’s DIA-CoEs, which currently encompass 15 prestigious academic institutions nationwide, serve as the foundation for all initiatives. “India has entered into a new quantum era of secure communication, which will be a game changer in future warfare,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, congratulating the team. Both IIT Delhi Director Prof. Rangan Banerjee and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat reiterated the view, praising the discovery as a crucial step towards technical sovereignty and national security.

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.

Govt. Mulls Ban on Influencers Spreading Anti-National Content Post-Pahalgam Attack

The government may ban social media influencers and platforms spreading anti-national content after the Pahalgam attack. The IT Committee has demanded action reports from ministries by May 8 amid rising tensions and UN calls for restraint. Following the terror assault in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology has voiced grave concerns about the role of specific social media platforms and influencers. The committee pointed out that some of these organisations seem to be working against the nation’s interests and may be encouraging violence with their content. The committee has urged the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to act quickly and decisively in response to these findings. The Information Technology Act of 2000 and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules of 2021 specifically seek information about the steps being considered to outlaw such platforms and accounts. Following the terror assault in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology has voiced grave concerns about the role of specific social media platforms and influencers. The committee has given the ministries until May 8, 2025, to provide a thorough report detailing the actions they have taken or plan to take to stop the spread of dangerous content. This action demonstrates the government’s will to prevent incitement and actions that could jeopardise national security from taking place on digital platforms. Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, gives authorities the authority to ban or remove content that endangers public order, security, sovereignty, or goodwill with other countries. According to the 2021 IT Rules, platforms must designate grievance officers, remove illegal content as soon as possible, and apply due care in content management. Five extremists targeted visitors in the Baisaran Valley with the Pahalgam incident, which has greatly increased tensions in the area and drawn global criticism. Additionally, the attack has led to a rise in anti-Kashmiri and Islamophobic attitudes throughout India, with social media being a key platform for the spread of divisive messages. UN chief asks India, Pakistan to step back from the brink Concerned that India-Pakistan tensions were “at their highest in years,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged “maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink” on May 5, 2025. “Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution,” Guterres stated in a succinct declaration. Guterres offered both governments his “good offices” in the interest of peace. “The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace,” he stated.

Madras University Cyber Forensics Course Marks 20 Years of Innovation

Madras University’s Cyber Forensics course, launched in 2004, has evolved into a postgraduate program producing over 750 graduates with strong industry placements. Recognized as a Centre of Excellence, it offers cutting-edge cybersecurity and digital forensics training. According to the previous department head and course founder-director R. Thilagaraj, the department developed a postgraduate diploma in cyber forensics and information security for police, courts, and business executives in 2004. Because of the positive reaction, it was changed to a postgraduate degree course the following year. Cybersecurity was still in its infancy. He remembers, “Some of the organizations we visited asked why they needed it.” When the first group graduated in 2007, employers were reluctant to hire them. According to S. Latha, the founder of the course and current director of the Centre for Cyber Forensics and Information Security, the first group of alumni is currently working for multinational banks. Up to 750 students have already received their diplomas. With a government grant of ₹1 crore, the centre was elevated as a Centre of Excellence in 2009, and she adds that it became an independent department with the then-Governor-Chancellor’s approval. The cost of tuition is ₹8,500. The course covers the most recent developments in the fields of digital forensics, information security audit, cyber criminology, and information security. Students have benefited from a course that the University of Madras‘ criminology department introduced 20 years ago. According to the previous department head and course founder-director R. Thilagaraj, the department developed a postgraduate diploma in cyber forensics and information security for police, courts, and business executives in 2004. Because of the positive reaction, it was changed to a postgraduate degree course the following year. Cybersecurity was still in its infancy. He remembers, “Some of the organisations we visited asked why they needed it.” When the first group graduated in 2007, employers were reluctant to hire them. According to Latha, the founder and coordinator of the course and current director of the Centre for Cyber Forensics and Information Security, the first group of graduates is currently working for multinational banks. Up to 750 students have already received their diplomas. With a government grant of ₹1 crore, the centre was elevated as a Centre of Excellence in 2009, and she adds that it became an independent department with the then-Governor-Chancellor’s approval. The cost of tuition is ₹8,500. The course covers the most recent developments in the fields of digital forensics, information security audit, cyber criminology, and information security. “Our alumni are placed in Google, Ernst and Young, Deloitte, HCL, Infosys, and even government agencies.” “The course offers 100% placement in corporate houses, software companies, information security auditing firms, banks, telecom industries, and financial institutions,” Ms. Latha explains. A cyber forensics lab has also been established by the department. Students conduct research in important fields of digital forensics and cybersecurity. As part of the RUSA Arumbu project, a student was recently given seed money to verify the legitimacy of AI-generated images, audio, and video. According to Ms. Latha, “a lot of students have worked in identifying ransomware attacks, phishing links, and fake profiles.” In addition to helping with placement, industry professionals who also teach classes created the syllabus. “The government should consider hiring at least a percentage of police with a master’s degree in cyber forensics and information security in the technical wing, as cybercrimes are on the rise and the majority of cases in the future are likely to be related to cybercrime,” she continues. Students who joined the program after graduating with a BCA, such as Vikram T, Farheen Fathima, and Mohamed Thalal, are now guaranteed a respectable compensation package for their campus placement. Every semester, the students work on a project, and the final dissertation they produce is based on actual business issues. According to guest faculty member C. Vishnupriya, having professionals from the industry on the team aids students in comprehending real-world issues. She adds, “They also value it when students solve problems.”

High-Tech Hoax: Fraudster Steals ₹1.10 Cr by Using a WhatsApp Profile Picture

A fraudster impersonated a company chairman on WhatsApp using a fake profile picture and tricked a Chief Revenue Officer into transferring ₹1.10 crore. Authorities urge extra caution with financial requests over messaging apps and have launched an investigation under cybercrime laws. In a startling cyber fraud case, a con artist acting as the business’s chairman on WhatsApp scammed a 51-year-old Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of a private company in Dharashiv out of over ₹1.10 crore. On April 15, a person posing as the company’s chairman sent the victim a WhatsApp message, according to police officials. The chairman’s photo was used as the profile picture, so even though the message was from an unknown number, the CRO thought it was authentic. Citing the new number as his updated contact, the sender requested that he save it. The impostor got in touch with the CRO once more two days later and asked about the balance of the company’s account. To further win his faith, the scammer pretended to be meeting with government representatives and urgently asked for ₹1.10 crore to be sent for a project-related expense. After receiving the bank account information, the CRO made the transfer since they thought it was a legitimate request. When the company’s accountant told the actual chairman about the transaction, the fraud was exposed. The chairman was shocked and explained that he had not asked for such a transfer. When the CRO discovered the fraud, he contacted the bank right away and then informed the police. Along with pertinent provisions of the Information Technology Act, such as Section 66C (identity theft) and Section 66D (cheating by personation utilising computer resources), a cheating case has been filed under Section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. To find the fraudster and retrieve the money that was sent, investigations are being conducted. The public and business professionals have once again been advised by authorities to handle financial transactions with extreme caution and to double-check requests, particularly those made over messaging platforms.

Tech Mahindra and Nuix Collaborate to Provide Improved Data Investigation and Cybersecurity Tools

Tech Mahindra and Nuix , an Australian software company, have partnered to offer better data protection, fraud detection, and regulatory compliance solutions. The partnership combines Nuix’s AI-powered investigative and data analytics tools with Tech Mahindra’s expertise in digital engineering, cyber risk management, and artificial intelligence (AI). Tech Mahindra has partnered with Australian firm Nuix to enhance data investigation and cybersecurity solutions by integrating Nuix’s AI-powered analytics tools into its services. The collaboration aims to help businesses manage data breaches, fraud, and compliance, starting in the Asia Pacific and Japan regions. The main goal of the collaboration is to include Nuix’s Neo platform within Tech Mahindra and Nuix service portfolio. Businesses will be able to better manage data breaches, safeguard sensitive information, and react to fraud and regulatory concerns as a result, especially those in industries with stringent compliance requirements like banking, insurance, telecommunications, and government. Large amounts of structured and unstructured data can be processed by Nuix’s technologies, which then make the data searchable and actionable for legal examinations and investigations. “We will enable our clients to put in place reliable, economical, and incredibly scalable security solutions for the future. According to Harshvendra Soin, President of Asia Pacific and Japan Business at Tech Mahindra, “this partnership will accelerate our ability to deliver exceptional value, especially during critical moments like data breach incidents where rapid response is essential.” Before going worldwide, the collaborative endeavour will initially concentrate on clients in the Asia Pacific and Japan regions. Mahindra and Nuix will offer its knowledge of digital investigations and data privacy, while Tech Mahindra will assist with worldwide sales and delivery. In the wake of escalating cybersecurity concerns, the partnership is anticipated to assist both companies in increasing their footprints in regulated markets and providing more reliable solutions for handling digital evidence and personal data. Tech Mahindra and Nuix will collaborate to help businesses bolster their defences against fraud, data breaches, and regulatory risk. Through the partnership, customers will have access to some of Nuix’s most advanced data privacy, investigative, and legal solutions, such as Nuix Neo Data Privacy, Nuix Neo Investigations, and Nuix Neo Legal, which will help safeguard sensitive information (like personally identifiable information), expedite investigations, and oversee the curation of vast amounts of digital evidence for legal cases, according to Jonathan Rubinstein, CEO of Nuix.

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

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.

Motorola Edge 60 Fusion Debuts with AI Magic Eraser, Circle to Search & Moto AI Tools

Motorola Edge 60 Fusion, launching on April 9 at ₹22,999, features a Dimensity 7400 chipset, AI-powered tools, a 6.7-inch curved display, and a 50MP OIS camera. It packs a 5500mAh battery with 68W charging, IP68/IP69 durability, and three years of OS updates. The Edge 60 Fusion, Motorola’s first smartphone in the Edge 60 series, has been released. The smartphone’s MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset powers a number of artificial intelligence (AI)-based functions, such as Circle to Search and the AI Magic Eraser. The Edge 60 Fusion smartphone will go on sale on April 9 for Rs 22,999. Cost and available options for the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion 256GB storage + 8GB RAM: Rs 22,999 256GB storage + 12GB RAM: Rs 24,999 Colours: Pantone Zephyr, Pantone Amazonite, and Pantone Slipstream; availability and deals for the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion Starting on April 9, the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion smartphone will be sold in India through Flipkart, the company’s official website, and a few physical stores. Customers can take advantage of a bank discount of Rs 2000 on Axis and IDFC Bank credit cards as part of the introductory promotion. As an alternative, clients can receive a Rs 2000 exchange bonus on trade-in transactions. Programs for interest-free equivalent monthly instalments (EMIs) for a maximum of six months are also available. Details of the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion The 6.7-inch, Pantone-validated curved display of the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz and a resolution of 1.5K. The MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset powers the smartphone, which also has up to 256GB of storage that can be expanded to 1TB via microSD and up to 12GB of RAM. The Motorola Edge 60 Fusion has a 50-megapixel primary sensor (Sony LYT 700C) with optical image stabilization (OIS) for imaging. A 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens that also functions as a macro camera supports the primary camera. A 32-megapixel camera sensor with 4K recording capabilities is located at the front. A 5500mAh battery powers the smartphone, which also has 68W wired charging capability. Several native “Moto AI” capabilities and Google’s gesture-driven Circle to Search are among the AI-powered features that are pre-installed on the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion’s Hello UI, which is built on Android 15. This includes “Catch Me Up” for summaries of notifications and “Pay Attention” for summarizing, translating, and transcribing content. In addition to being MIL-810H military-grade certified for durability, the smartphone boasts an IP68/69 rating for protection against dust and water intrusion. For the Edge 60 Fusion, Motorola is providing three years of operating system updates and four years of security updates. Details of the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion Display: 6.7-inch all-curved screen with Gorilla Glass 7i, HDR10+, 4500 nits of maximum brightness, 1.5K resolution, and a refresh rate of 120 Hz MediaTek Dimensity 7400 processor Storage: 256GB (expandable to 1TB) RAM: Up to 12 GB Front camera: 32MP; rear camera: 50MP primary (Sony LYT700) plus 13MP ultra-wide; battery: 5500mAh, 68W cable charging Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, IP68, and IP69

cyber news